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UNTO    THE    DESIRED    HAVEN, 


AND    OTHER 


RELIGIOUS    POEMS. 


Unto  Il)c  Dcsircb  tyavcn. 

Psalm  cvii. 

WHAT  matter  how  the  winds  may  blow 
Or  blow  they  east,  or  blow  they  west 
What  reck  I  how  the  tides  may  flow, 

Since  ebb  or  flood  alike  is  best. 
No  summer  calm,  no  winter  gale, 

Impedes  or  drives  me  from  my  way ; 
I  steadfast  toward  the  Haven  sail 
That  lies,  perhaps,  not  far  away. 

I  mind  the  weary  days  of  old, 

When  motionless  I  seemed  to  lie ; 
The  nights  when  fierce  the  billows  rolled, 

And  changed  my  course,  I  knew  not  why. 
I  feared  the  calm,  I  feared  the  gale, 

Foreboding  danger  and  delay, 
Forgetting  I  was  thus  to  sail 

To  reach  what  seemed  so  far  away. 

I  measure  not  the  loss  and  fret 

Which  through  those  years  of  doubt  I  bore ; 
I  keep  the  memory  fresh,  and  yet 

Would  hold  God's  patient  mercy  more. 

(5) 


M  Y  HEIRSHIP. 


What  wrecks  have  passed  me  in  the  gale, 
What  ships  gone  down  on  summer-day ; 

Whil^  I,  with  furled  or  spreading  sail, 
Stood  for  the  Haven  far  away. 

What  matter  how  the  winds  may  blow, 

Since  fair  or  foul  alike  is  best ; 
God  holds  them  in  His  hand,  I  know, 

And  I  may  leave  to  Him  the  rest, 
Assured  that  neither  calm  nor  gale 

Can  bring  me  danger  or  delay, 
As  I  still  toward  the  Haven  sail 

That  lies,  I  know,  not  far  away. 


itt s   ijeirsljip. 

LITTLE  store  of  wealth  have  I ; 
Not  a  rood  of  land  I  own  ; 
Nor  a  mansion  fair  and  high, 

Built  with  towers  of  fretted  stone. 

Stocks  nor  bonds,  nor  title  deeds, 
Flocks  nor  herds  have  I  to  show ; 

When  I  ride,  no  Arab  steeds 

Toss  for  me  their  manes  of  snow. 

I  have  neither  pearls  nor  gold, 
Massive  plate,  nor  jewels  rare  ; 

'Broidered  silks  of  worth  untold, 
Nor  rich  robes  a  queen  might  wear. 


MY  HEIRSHIP.  7 


In  my  garden's  narrow  bound 
Flaunt  no  costly  tropic  blooms, 

Ladcning  all  the  air  around 
With  a  weight  of  rare  perfumes. 

Yet  to  an  immense  estate 

Am  I  heir  by  grace  of  God — 
Richer,  grander,  than  dotji  wait 

Any  earthly  monarch's  nod. 

Heir  of  all  the  Ages,  I — 

Heir  of  all  that  they  have  wrought, 
All  their  store  of  emprise  high, 

All  their  wealth  of  precious  thought. 

Every  golden  deed  of  theirs 

Sheds  its  luster  on  my  way ; 
All  their  labors,  all  their  prayers 

Sanctify  this  present  day! 

Heir  of  all  that  they  have  earned 
By  their  passion  and  their  tears — 

Heir  of  all  that  they  have  learned 
Through  the  weary,  toiling  years  ! 

Heir  of  all  the  faith  sublime 

On  whose  wings  they  soared  to  heaven ; 
Heir  of  every  hope  that  Time 

To  earth's  fainting  sons  hath  given  ! 

Aspirations  pure  and  high — 
Strength  to  do  and  to  endure — 

Heir  of  all  the  Ages,  I — 
Lo  !  I  am  no  longer  poor  ! 


HINDMOST  WITH  THE  STANDARDS. 


fjinbmost  tmtl)  lljc  Gtaniuuus. 

"They  shall  go  hindmost  'with  their  standards." — Num.  ii.  3. 

WHAT  though  the  hindmost  place  is  thine, 
And  thou  art  in  the  rear  ? 
This  need  not  cause  thy  heart  a  pang, 

Nor  cost  thine  eye  a  tear. 
The  post  of  duty  is  the  place 
Where  oft  the  Captain  shows  His  face. 

All  can  not  charge  or  lead  the  van, 

All  can  be  brave  and  true ; 
And  where  the  Captain's  standards  wave 

There's  work  for  all  to  do ; 
And  work  from  which  thou  may'st  not  flee, 
Which  must  be  done,  and  done  by  thee. 

Among  the  stragglers,  faint  and  few, 

Thou  dost  thy  march  pursue ; 
This  need  not  make  thy  heart  to  droop, 

The  weak  may  yet  be  true ; 
Through  many  a  dark  and  stormy  day 
The  Captain  thus  holds  on  His  way. 

What  though  no  shout  of  victory  comes 

To  greet  thy  listening  ear? 
Nor  voice  of  friends,  nor  martial  songs 

Like  wine  thy  spirit  cheer? 
Oh,  let  not  sense  thy  faith  betray, 

For  they  arc  best  who  best  obey ! 


THE  PORCELAIN  CUP. 


What  though  no  foeman  feel  thy  steel 

Where  fame  is  to  be  won  ? 
Yet  thou  canst  lend  a  loving  hand 

To  help  the  wounded  on  ; 
Contentment,  too,  will  spread  her  feast ; 
Who  would  be  great  must  serve  the  least. 

And  when  the  Captain  comes  to  greet 

And  bring  His  army  cheer, 
Not  only  will  He  praise  the  van, 

But  smile  upon  the  rear ; 
And  all  who  make  His  work  their  choice 
Shall  see  His  face  and  hear  His  voice. 

Lord,  from  success,  its  noise  and  glare, 

And  often  shallow  life, 
Guide  me  to  where  thy  soldiers  lie, 

Faint,  wounded  in  the  strife  ; 
Give  me  a  brother's  heart,  I  pray, 
To  watch  and  help  the  weak  to-day ! 


£l)e  porcelain  dtp. 

WHO  watched  the  artist  paint  a  porcelain  cup, 
Did  wonder,  when  he  gathered  brushes  up 
And  said  :  "  My  task  is  done," 
That  on  the  toy's  fine  rim 
A  border  black  and  grim 
Contrasted  hatefully  with  gentle  tint 
Of  pink  and  azure,  blonde  and  beryl  hint, 
And  mocked  those  threads  of  sun 
That  made  the  cup  a  prize 
To  ravish  royal  eyes 


TO  STRENGTH  FOR    TO-DAY. 


"  Why  leave  this  scowl  of  black  ?  "  one  dared  inquire, 
The  artist  answered  :  "  Clay  must  taste  the  fire, 
And  by  that  test  be  tried." 

Snatched  from  its  furnace-heat, 
Transfigured  and  complete, 
The  dazzling  gift  comes  crowned  with  aureole  gleam, 
Its  black  all  changed  to  gold  !     " So" — like  a  dream 
Heart  said  to  heart  that  sighed — 
"  Grief  may  be  joy  at  last, 
When  Life's  fierce  test  is  past." 


Gtrcngtl)  far  (Ta-Dar). 

STRENGTH  for  to-day  is  all  that  we  need, 
As  there  never  will  be  a  to-morrow ; 
For  to-morrow  will  prove  but  another  to-day, 
With  is  measure  of  joy  and  sorrow. 

Then  why  forecast  the  trials  of  life 
With  such  sad  and  grave  persistence, 

And  watch  and  wait  for  a  crowd  of  ills 
That  as  yet  have  no  existence  ? 

Strength  for  to-day  !  what  a  precious  boon 
For  the  earnest  souls  who  labor ; 

For  the  willing  hands  that  minister 
To  the  needy  friend  or  neighbor. 

Strength  for  to-day  !  that  the  weary  hearts, 
In  the  battle  for  right,  may  quail  not ; 

And  the  eyes  bedimmed  with  bitter  tears, 
In  their  search  for  light,  may  fail  not. 


THE  EIGHT  OF  LIGHT.  II 


Strength  for  to-day,  on  the  down-hill  track, 
For  the  travelers  near  the  valley, 

That  up,  far  up,  the  other  side, 
Ere  long,  they  may  safely  rally. 

Strength  for  to-day,  that  our  precious  youth 

May  happily  shun  temptation, 
And  build,  from  the  rise  to  the  set  of  the  sun, 

On  a  strong  and  sure  foundation. 

Strength  for  to-day,  in  house  and  home, 
To  practice  forbearance,  sweetly ; 

To  scatter  kind  words  and  loving  deeds, 
Still  trusting  in  God  completely. 


(Cljc  £igl)t  of  £igt)t. 

THE  morning  breaks,  the  shadows  flee, 
The  gracious  skies  are  clear  and  bright ; 
O  Light  of  Light,  we  turn  to  Thee, 

Without  Thy  beams  it  still  were  night ! 

The  midday  sun  may  cloudless  shine, 
And  all  our  way  seem  smooth  and  fair ; 

There  are  no  rays  save  only  Thine 
Can  show  the  quicksand  or  the  snare. 

But  when  the  storms  of  sorrow  beat, 
And  darkness  falls,  and  joy  takes  flight, 

Thy  presence  is  a  sure  retreat, 

And  in  our  dwelling  there  is  light. 


12  APRIL. 


O  Jesus,  fount  of  joy  and  grace, 

That  light  on  all  our  darkness  pour, 

Until  beyond  these  nights  and  days, 
We  dwell  in  light  forevermore  ! 


Ql  p  r  i  1. 

THE  April  days  have  come ;  the  south  winds  blow 
In  homestead  trees,  at  morn,  the  robin  sings  ; 
Swift  through  the  softened  air  the  swallows  go 
With  warmth  upon  their  wings. 

O'er  all  the  vales  the  quickening  sunshine  gleams  ; 

The  timid  violet's  purple  leaves  unfold  ; 
And  on  the  banks  of  swollen  meadow-streams 

The  cowslip  spreads  its  gold. 

With  wakeful  life  the  earth's  warm  pulses  stir, 
Brown  buds  unroll  bright  banners  on  the  air, 

And  countless  fairy  fingers,  dripping  myrrh, 
The  summer's  robes  prepare. 

Impatient  soul,  weak  and  complaining  still, 
Are  all  thy  hopes,  slow  struggling  to  the  light, 

Less  worth  than  these  frail  buds  no  frost  could  kill 
Or  wind  of  winter  blight  ? 


'£> 


For  if  the  spring  come  on  with  tardy  feet, 
And  snows  lock  late  the  germs,  we  do  not  fear ; 

Still,  with  unfailing  faith,  our  hearts  repeat, 
"  The  summer  days  are  near." 


CON  SOLA  TOR  HOMINUM.  13 


The  good  we  hoped  to  gain  has  failed  us — well, 
We  do  not  see  the  ending ;  and  the  boon 

May  wait  us  down  the  ages — who  can  tell  ? 
And  bless  us  amply  soon. 

In  God's  eternal  plan,  a  month,  a  year, 
Is  but  an  hour  of  some  slow  April  day, 

Holding  the  germs  of  what  we  hope  and  fear 
To  blossom  far  away. 

And  rayless  days  must  come,  and  nights  of  mist, 
And,  after  brooding  sunshine,  dreary  showers  ; 

Chill  dews  delay  the  buds  the  zephyrs  kissed, 
And,  late,  bloom  fairer  flowers. 

We  pray  for  growth  and  strength  ;  grief's  dreaded 
showers 

May  be,  in  God's  wise  purpose,  ripening  rain  ; 
He  only  knows  how  all  our  highest  powers 

Are  perfected  in  pain. 

To  trusting  souls  must  truest  good  increase — 
Loss  here  shall  be  accounted  treasure  there — 

So  we  attain  to  perfectness  of  peace, 
What  matter  how  or  where  ? 


o 


(Consolator  ijominnm. 

M  Cast  thy  burden  upon  the  Lord" — Psalm  Iv.  22. 

CAST  thy  burden  on  the  Lord,  and  find 
Relief  in  Him  for  weary  heart  and  mind  ; 


1 4  TIIO  U  KNO  WEST  BEST. 


By  anxious  cares  and  daily  sins  opprest, 
By  troubles  vexed  and  smitten  to  the  dust, 
A  Heavenly  Friend  with  all  life's  sorrows  trust. 

His  mighty  hand  can  give  thy  spirit  rest, 
For  He  hath  known  infirmities  like  ours, 
With  keener  pains  from  Satan's  direst  powers  ; 

And  all  the  griefs  He  carried  once  for  men, 
E'en  now  His  pitying  love  will  freely  bear. 
O  Christ,  who  canst  our  inmost  feelings  scan, 

Thy  cross  the  shield  from  Sinai's  awful  ban, 
The  words  of  old  Thy  wondrous  grace  declare, 
And  laden  souls  to-day  Thy  mercy  share. 


®l)ou  Knottiest  Best. 

IT  seems  such  a  woful  waste 
Of  precious  talent  and  time, 
To  be  lying  here  day  after  day, 

Just  in  my  life's  best  prime, 
With  such  a  weight  on  my  breast, 

And  such  a  mist  in  my  brain, 
That  I  little  or  nothing  know 

Save  that  living  is  only  pain  ; 
When  I  might  be  doing  some  work, 

Or  saying  some  excellent  word, 
To  hasten  Thy  kingdom  on — 

But  Thou  knowest  best,  O  Lord  ! 

There  is  so  much  work  to  be  done, — 
So  many  mouths  to  be  fed, — 

So  many  famishing  souls 
Crying  for  living  bread, — 


THO U  KNO  WES 7  BEST.  15 


So  many  little  ones  lost 

In  by-ways  crooked  and  cold, 
To  be  tenderly  sought  and  led 

Into  Thy  safe,  sweet  fold  ; — 
Meseems  that  no  willing  hand 

Rejected  should  be  or  ignored 
(Not  even  this  poor  one  of  mine) — 

But  Thou  knowest  best,  O  Lord  ! 

Worst  of  it  all,  there  is  need 

Of  so  much  labor  within, — 
Such  deep-down  rootlets  of  ill 

So  subtly  spring  up  into  sin  ; 
It  would  take  my  very  best  powers 

To  crop  them  fast  as  they  shoot, 
And  give  to  the  plants  of  grace 

Fair  room  for  blossom  and  fruit ; — 
But  closer  bound  with  these  pains 

Than  with  any  chain  or  cord, 
I  count  my  lost  days  drift  by — 

But  Thou  knowest  best,  O  Lord  ! 

Thou  knowest  best ;  forasmuch 

As  Thou  only  art  wholly  wise, 
Present  and  future  and  past 

Blend  into  one  in  Thine  eyes. 
That  which  we  miscall  waste 

May  be  only  Thy  mystical  seed 
Flung  wide  to  make  harvest-home  rich, 

And  harvesters  blessed  indeed  ; 
May  be  only  the  wealth  of  Thy  love 

On  an  ignorant  world  outpoured — 
Ah,  lavish  my  days  as  Thou  wilt, 

For  Thou  knowest  best,  O  Lord  ! 


1 6  STREAMS  FROM  THE  ROCK. 


Thy  purposes  will  not  fail 

Because  of  my  idleness  ; 
The  stars  in  their  courses  light 

For  the  cause  which  Thou  dost  bless  ; 
The  angels  move  at  Thy  word 

Swifter  than  light  of  sun, 
And  the  patient  soul  works  best 

When  it  prays,  u  Thy  will  be  done  ! " 
It  may  be  that  never  again 

I  shall  march  with  the  plough  or  sword  ;- 
It  may  be — no  matter !    Amen. 

For  Thou  knowest  best,  O  Lord ! 


Streams  from  tl)c  ttock. 

OFT  when  of  God  we  ask 
For  fuller,  happier  life, 
He  sets  us  some  new  task 
Involving  care  and  strife ; 
Is  this  the  boon  for  which  we  sought? 
Has  prayer  new  trouble  on  us  brought  ? 

This  is,  indeed,  the  boon, 

Though  strange  to  us  it  seems , 
We  pierce  the  rock,  and  soon 
The  blessing  on  us  streams ; 
For  when  we  are  the  most  athirst, 
Then  the  clear  waters  on  us  burst. 

We  toil  as  in  a  field 

Wherein,  to  us  unknown, 
A  treasure  lies  concealed, 

Which  may  be  all  our  own  ; 


4  HYMN  OF  TRUST.  I  7 


And  shall  we  of  the  toil  complain 
That  speedily  will  bring  us  gain? 

We  dig  the  wells  of  life, 

And  God  the  water  gives ; 

We  win  our  way  by  strife, 

Then  He  within  us  lives ; 

And  only  war  could  make  us  meet 

For  peace  so  sacred  and  so  sweet. 


Ql  fjrnnn  of  (Ernst. 

NAY,  nay,  do  not  tell  me  that  God  will  not  hear  me, 
I  know  He  is  high  over  all ; 
But  I  know  just  as  well  that  He  always  is  near  me, 
And  never  forgets  me  at  all. 

He  shows  not  His  face,  for  its  glory  would  blind  me, 
But  I  walk  on  my  way  unafraid  ; 

Though  lost  in  the  desert,  He  surely  would  find  me, 
His  angels  would  come  to  my  aid. 

He  sits  on  His  throne  in  the  wonderful  city, 
And  I — I  am  ashes  and  dust ; 

Yet  I  am  at  rest  in  His  infinite  pity, 

And  I  in  His  promises  trust. 

He  lighted  the  stars,  and  they  shine  in  their  places, 
He  maketh  the  sun  like  a  flame  ; 

But  better  and  brighter  to  Him  are  the  faces 
Of  mortals  that  call  on  His  name. 


18  A  SONG  IN  THE  NIGHT. 


Nay,  nay,  do  not  tell  me  that,  wrapt  in  His  glory, 
He  hears  not  my  voice  when  I  cry ; 

He  made  me,  He  loves  me,  He  knows  all  my  story, 
I  shall  look  on  His  face  by  and  by. 


St  Song  in  tl)c  Nigl)t. 

I  TAKE  this  pain,  Lord  Jesus, 
From  Thine  own  hand  ; 
The  strength  to  bear  it  bravely 

Thou  wilt  command. 
I  am  too  weak  for  effort, 

So  let  me  rest 
In  hush  of  sweet  submission 
On  Thine  own  breast. 

I  take  this  pain,  Lord  Jesus, 

As  proof  indeed 
That  Thou  art  watching  closely 

My  truest  need  ; 
That  Thou,  my  Good  Physician, 

Art  working  still ; 
That  all  Thine  own  good  pleasure 

Thou  wilt  fulfill. 

I  take  this  pain,  Lord  Jesus  ! 

What  Thou  dost  choose, 
The  soul  that  really  loves  Thee 

Will  not  refuse. 
It  is  not  for  the  first  time 

I  trust  to-day  ! 
For  Thee  my  heart  hath  never 

A  trustless  "  Nay  !" 


TRUST.  19 

I  take  this  pain,  Lord  Jesus ! 

But  what  beside  ? 
Tis  no  unminglcd  portion 

Thou  dost  provide. 
In  every  hour  of  faintness, 

My  cup  runs  o'er 
With  faithfulness  and  mercy, 

And  love's  sweet  store. 

I  take  this  pain,  Lord  Jesus, 

As  Thine  own  gift, 
And  true,  though  tremulous  praises 

I  now  uplift. 
I  am  too  weak  to  sing  them, 

But  Thou  dost  hear 
The  whisper  from  the  pillow — 

Thou  art  so  near  ! 

'Tis  Thy  dear  hand,  O  Saviour  ! 

That  presseth  sore  ; 
The  hand  that  bears  the  nail-prints 

Forevermore. 
And  now  beneath  its  shadow, 

Hidden  by  Thee, 
The  pressure  only  tells  me 

Thou  lovest  me  ! 


8ni5t. 

MAKE  a  little  fence  of  trust 
Around  to-day ; 
Fill  the  space  with  loving  work, 
And  therein  stay. 


2Q  PEACE. 


Look  not  thro'  the  sheltering  bars 

Upon  to-morrow ; 
God  will  help  thee  bear  what  comes 

Of  joy  or  sorrow. 


}}catc. 

ERE  our  dear  Saviour  spoke  the  parting  word 
To  those  who  loved  Him  best  when  here  below, 
While  deep  emotion  every  bosom  stirred, 
He  said  :  "  My  peace  I  give  you  ere  I  go  ! " 

His  Peace — sweet  Peace  !  As  falls  the  summer  dew 
On  drooping  flowers,  so  fell  those  words  of  cheer 

Upon  the  earnest  hearts  that  dimly  knew 
What  they,  like  their  dear  Lord,  must  suffer  here. 

His  Peace — Christ's  Peace  !     Oh,  gift  most  rare  and 
strange ! 

Never  was  aught  so  precious  given  before  ! 
Vain  trifler  he  who  would  that  gift  exchange 

For  all  the  riches  of  Golconda's  shore  ! 

His  Peace — His  blessed  Peace  !  Not  Joy,  the  bright, 
Bewildering  sprite  that  charmed  their  early  years, 

When,  with  youth's  roses  crowned,  and  clad  in  light, 
Her  radiant  eyes  had  ne'er  been  dimmed  by  tears — 

But  Peace  that  walks  with  Patience,  side  by  side, 
Bearing  Heaven's  seal  upon  her  pale,  calm  face, 

Child  of  Submission,  whatso'er  betide, 

She  wears  the  white  robes  of  celestial  grace. 


BEYOND  IT  ALL.  2T 


O  Christ !  whose  human  heart  remembers  still 

The  pangs  from  which  death  only  gave  release, 
Strange  griefs,  strange  fears,  our  yearning  souls  must 

fill, 
Withhold  what  else  Thou  wilt — but  give  us  Peace  ! 


JScrjoub  it  QUI. 

I  HEAR  a  gladsome  wind  that  sings 
In  budding  copse  and  waving  grass  ; 
And  on  the  hill,  like  living  things, 

The  light  cloud-shadows  slowly  pass ; 
How  soon  from  forests  far  away 

Will  ring  the  wood-dove's  summer  call, 
And  roses  open  day  by  day — 
But  I  shall  go  beyond  it  all ! 

Beyond  the  hopes  of  life  and  time ; 

The  songs  that  end  when  sunshine  dies ; 
The  blooms  that  wither  in  their  prime ; 

The  passing  blush  of  evening  skies ; 
Beyond  the  chill  of  rains  that  beat 

On  flowers  that  fade,  and  leaves  that  fall ; 
Beyond  the  bitter  and  the  sweet — 

Beyond  it  all,  beyond  it  all ! 

Beyond  the  fitful  light  and  shade ; 

The  idols  crumbling  into  dust; 
The  graves  where  patient  hearts  have  laid 

Their  memories  of  love  and  trust ; 


2  2  A   TI1AXKFUL  HEART. 


The  voices  that  have  changed  their  tone  ; 

The  dreams  that  fly,  the  joys  that  pall ; 
The  grief  that  only  One  has  known — 

Beyond  them  all,  beyond  them  all ! 

I  thank  Thee,  Father,  for  the  thought 

That  all  the  work  of  life  is  done ; 
The  story  told,  the  battle  fought, 

The  rest  eternal  nearly  won. 
Thy  love  has  kept  me  till  the  end, 

My  waiting  spirit  hears  Thee  call ; 
Draw  near,  O  never-changing  Friend, 

And  guide  me  home — beyond  it  all ! 


&  QCIjankful  Ijeart. 

METHINKS  of  all  the  sins  that  pierce  the  heart 
of  Christ  anew, 
And  once  again  in  bitterwise  bring  Calvary  to  view, 
That  in  those  hands  and  feet  again  the  nail-prints 

deep  impress, 
The  blackest  is  the  loveless  sin  of  dark  unthankful- 
ness. 

A  grudging  soul  that  counts  its  sorrows,  weighing 
one  by  one 

The  pains  it  bears,  the  tears  it  sheds,  the  work  that 
it  hath  done ; 

That  thanks  its  God,  perchance,  because  it  has  a 
patient  mind, 

And  for  its  crowning  grace  desires  a  spirit  well  re- 
signed. 


A   THANKFUL  HEART.  23 


Resigned  !  that  Christ  hath  died  for  thee  upon  the 

shameful  tree ; 
Resigned  !  that  still  He  lives  and  pleads  in  heaven's 

high  court  for  thee  ; 
Resigned  !  that  He  hath  willed  to  thee  His  nature 

to  impart, 
And  that  for  thee  undying  love  burns  in  His  human 

heart ! 

Or  it  may  be  thou  art  resigned  to  think  that  thou 

hast  borne 
One  little  splinter  from  His  cross,  or  from  His  crown 

one  thorn ; 
Or  that  (when  contumely  pursued  thy  Master  year 

by  year) 
Some  word  of  censure  of  thyself  hath  fallen  on  thy 

ear. 

Oh,  sin  against  the  love  of  Christ,  of  all  the  sins  that 
are, 

Methinks  that  this  in  heaven  must  move  the  great- 
est sorrow  far ; 

Must  make  the  soul  of  Christ  to  grieve,  and  angels' 
eyes  grow  dim 

At  sight  of  all  He  does  for  us  and  the  naught  we  do 
for  Him. 

Oh,  grudging  hearts  !  for  very  shame  be  thankful,  if 

ye  may, 
That  He  allows  such  coward  souls  to  suffer  day  by  day ; 
That  He  hath  left  His  cross  on  earth,  nor  carried  it 

on  high, 
That  ye,  in  likeness  of  His  death,  may  learn  of  Him 

to  die. 


2  4  II EA  RT  II YAIAT. 


£)  c  a  r  t   £)  2  m  n . 

BEAR  the  burden  of  the  present, 
Let  the  morrow  bear  its  own ; 
If  the  morning  sky  be  pleasant, 
Why  the  coming  night  bemoan  ? 

If  the  darkened  heavens  lower, 
Wrap  thy  cloak  around  thy  form  ; 

Though  the  tempest  rise  in  power, 
God  is  mightier  than  the  storm. 

Steadfast  hope  and  faith  unshaken 
Animate  the  trusting  breast ; 

Step  by  step  the  journey's  taken 
Nearer  to  the  land  of  rest. 

All  unseen  the  Master  walketh 
By  the  toiling  servant's  side  ; 

Comfortable  words  He  talketh 
While  His  hands  uphold  and  guide. 

Grief,  nor  pain,  nor  any  sorrow 

Rends  thy  heart,  to  Him  unknown  ; 

He  to-day  and  He  to-morrow 
Grace  sufficient  gives  His  own. 


t> 


Holy  strivings  nerve  and  strengthen, 
Long  endurance  wins  the  crown  ; 

When  the  evening  shadows  lengthen 
Thou  shalt  lay  the  burden  down. 


SO   TIRED.  25 


£l)c  J)eace  of  (Sob. 

O  PEACE  of  God  ! — as  early  beams 
Creep  o'er  the  eastern  hills,  and  start 
The  sparrow  from  his  morning  dreams, 
So  still  Thine  entrance  to  the  heart. 

O  peace  of  God  ! — the  evening  air, 

That  breathes  from  calm,  cloud-gilded  west, 
Comes  not  to  soothe  the  hard  day's  wear, 

So  sweet  as  Thou  to  troubled  breast. 

O  peace  of  God  ! — the  bud  that  springs 
Through  April  snows  to  seek  the  sun, 

No  hope  of  summer  gladness  brings, 
Like  Thine  of  heaven  already  won. 

O  peace  of  God  ! — in  Thee  to  rest, 
Along  life's  rough  and  toilsome  ways, 

Makes  daily  task  a  service  blest, 
And  turns  the  daily  prayer  to  praise. 


So   (E  i  r  e  b . 

I  AM  so  tired,  my  heart  and  I, 
So  weary  of  this  weary  strife  ; 
Day  follows  day  in  changeless  toil- 
Its  very  sameness  darkens  life. 


26  FOR  CI1RI  SAKE. 


Ah,  child  !  heart-idleness  doth  make 
Thy  hands  hang  heavy  at  thy  side ; 

Is  there  no  love  for  whose  sweet  sake 
Thy  daily  work  is  glorified  ? 

If  not,  think  what  I  did  for  thee, 

And  serve  some  soul  for  love  of  Me. 

Dear  God,  forgive  !  I  had  forgot 
The  grace,  the  light,  to  Thee  I  owe — 

All  the  rich  blessings  of  my  lot — 
My  fault,  my  fault,  O  God.  I  know  ! 

I  am  so  tired,  my  heart  and  I, 

So  weary  of  this  useless  strife  ; 
Why  should  I  spend  my  strength  and  gold  } 

The  world  wants  not  eternal  life. 

Art  thou  more  just  than  God  ?     Thy  fears 
Are  lost  in  boundless  love  and  power 

My  patience  claims  eternal  years — 

Canst  thou  not  work  and  watch  one  hour  ? 

Dost  love  me  still  ?    Then  by  my  cross. 

Count  not  my  tears  and  blood  but  loss. 

O  Christ,  forgive !     Had  I  not  let 
Dishonoring  doubt  my  faith  assault. 

My  work  for  Thee  had  blessing  met — 

My  fault,  dear  Lord  !    My  fault !  my  fault '. 


o 


i^or  (Cljvisfs  Sake, 

H,  what  shall  I  give  to  the  Saviour 
For  what  He  hath  given  for  me? 


THE  QUI I-  T  MIND.  27 


I'll  give  Him  the  gift  of  an  earnest  life, 

Of  a  heart  that  is  loving  and  free  from  strife, 


As  He  hath  given  for  me. 


And  what  shall  I  do  for  the  Saviour 
For  what  He  hath  done  for  me  ? 

I'll  pray  for  the  sick,  and  the  evil-doer ; 

I'll  make  my  friends  among  the  poor, 
As  He  hath  done  for  me. 

And  what  shall  I  bear  for  the  Saviour 
For  what  He  hath  borne  for  me  ? 
Remembering  I'm  His  constant  care, 
Whatever  He  sends  me  I  will  bear, 
As  He  hath  borne  for  me. 

And  what  shall  I  be  for  the  Saviour 
For  what  He  hath  been  for  me  ? 
Long-suffering,  kind,  unselfish,  pure, 
To  bear,  believe,  to  hope,  endure, 
As  He  hath  been  for  me. 


(Eljc  (Quiet  mitib. 

*A  nd  the  peace  of  God,  which  />asseth  all  understand 'it:g,  shall  keej> 
your  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus" 

I  HAVE  a  treasure  which  I  prize  ; 
The  like  I  can  not  find  ; 
There's  nothing  like  it  in  the  earth  : 
It  is  a  quiet  mind. 


2  8  THE  Q  UIE  T  MIND. 


But  'tis  not  that  I'm  stupefied, 

Or  senseless,  dull,  or  blind  ; 
Tis  God's  own  peace  within  my  soul 

Which  forms  my  quiet  mind. 

I  found  this  treasure  at  the  cross  ; 

'Tis  there  to  every  kind 
Of  heavy-laden,  weary  souls 

Christ  gives  a  quiet  mind. 

My  Saviour's  death  and  risen  life 

To  give  this  were  designed  ; 
And  that's  the  root,  and  that's  the  branch, 

Of  this,  my  quiet  mind. 

The  love  of  God  within  my  heart, 

My  heart  to  His  doth  bind ; 
This  is  the  mind  of  heaven  on  earth — 

This  is  my  quiet  mind. 

I've  many  a  cross  to  take  up  now, 

And  many  left  behind  ; 
But  present  trials  move  me  not, 

Nor  shake  my  quiet  mind. 

And  what  may  be  to-morrow's  cross 

I  never  seek  to  find  ; 
My  Saviour  says,  Leave  that  to  Me, 

And  keep  a  quiet  mind. 

And  well  I  know  the  Lord  hath  said, 

To  make  my  heart  resigned, 
That  mercy  still  shall  follow  such 

As  have  this  quiet  mind. 


NOT  IN  ANYTHING   WE  DO.  29 


I  meet  with  pride  of  wit  and  wealth, 
And  scorn  and  looks  unkind. 

It  matters  nought ;  I  envy  not, 
For  I've  a  quiet  mind. 

I'm  waiting  now  to  see  the  Lord, 
Who's  been  to  me  so  kind  ; 

I  want  to  thank  Him  face  to  face, 
For  this,  my  quiet  mind. 


2Cot  in  Qtmitljing  U)c  Da. 

NOT  in  anything  we  do, — 
Thought  that's  pure,  or  word  that's  true, 
Saviour,  would  we  put  our  trust : 
Frail  as  vapor,  vile  as  dust, 
All  that  flatters  we  disown  ; 
Righteousness  is  Thine  alone. 

Though  we  underwent  for  Thee 
Perils  of  the  land  and  sea  ; 
Though  we  cast  our  lives  away, 
Dying  for  Thee  day  by  day, 
Boast  we  never  of  our  own  ; 
Grace  and  strength  are  Thine  alone. 

Native  cumberers  of  the  ground, 
All  our  fruit  from  Thee  is  found  ; 
Grafted  in  Thine  olive,  Lord, 
New-begotten  by  Thy  Word, 
All  we  have  is  Thine  alone  ; 
Life  and  power  are  not  our  own. 


30  COMFORT  OR  COMPLAINT. 


And  when  Thy  returning  voice 
Calls  Thy  faithful  to  rejoice  ; 
When  the  countless  throng  to  Thee 
Cast  their  crowns  of  victory, 
We  will  sing  before  the  throne, 
"  Thine  the  glory,  not  our  own." 


(Comfort  or  (Complaint. 

41 Be  careful  for  nothing;  but  in  everything  by  prayer  and  suf>- 
flication,  with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made  known  untc 
God." — Phil.  iv.  6. 

SING  a  hymn  to  Jesus  when  the  heart  is  faint, 
Tell  it  all  to  Jesus,  comfort  or  complaint : 
If  the  work  is  sorrow,  if  the  way  be  long, 
If  thou  dread 'st  the  morrow,  tell  it  Him  in  song, 
Though  thy  heart  be  aching  for  the  crown  and  palm, 
Keep  thy  spirit  waking  with  a  faithful  psalm. 

Jesus,  we  are  lowly,  Thou  art  very  high  ; 

We  are  all  unholy,  Thou  art  purity  : 

We  are  frail  and  fleeting,  Thou  art  still  the  same, 

All  life's  joys  arc  meeting  in  Thy  blessed  name. 

Sing  a  hymn  to  Jesus  when  thy  heart  is  faint, 

Tell  it  all  to  Jesus,  comfort  or  complaint. 

All  His  words  are  music,  though  they  make  me  weep ; 

Infinitely  tender,  infinitely  deep; 

Time  can  never  render  all  in  Him  I  see, 

Infinitely  tender  human  Deity  ; 

Sing  a  hymn  to  Jesus  when  thy  heart  is  faint, 

Tell  it  all  to  Jesus,  comfort  or  complaint. 


GIVING  ALL.  31 


Jesus,  let  me  love  Thee,  infinitely  sweet ; 

What  are  the  poor  odors  I  bring  to  Thy  feet  ? 

Yet  I  love  Thee,  love  Thee  !     Come  into  my  heart ; 

And  ere  long  remove  me  to  be  where  Thou  art ; 

Thus  I  sing  to  Jesus  when  my  heart  is  faint, 

So  I  tell  to  Jesus,  comfort  or  complaint. 


(Siuing   Oil  I. 

OH,  what  a  pure,  white  flame  lit  up  the  face, 
The  eager,  childish  face,  that  questioned  me  ! 
"  Could  we  give  all — all  things  for  God's  fair  grace  ? 
Leave  even-thing  to  follow  perfectly  ?  " 

Awe-struck,  and  shaken  in  my  soul,  I  cry : 

"  Deep  are  thy  words,  my  child  !    Seek  not  the  vow, 

Though,  soon  or  late,  our  souls  must  make  reply, 
Yet  let  the  Saviour  ask  it — and  not  thou." 

"  Say,  rather — '  Can  I  fully  yield  to-day 

The  things  for  which  to-day  His  Wisdom  asks  ? 

The  measured  steps  along  the  narrow  way, 
Fulfillment  fair  of  little,  lowly  tasks?'  " 

"  Canst  heed  His  voice  to-day?     Care  not  to  know 
How  high  along  the  mountain-side  it  leads. 

Ah  !  what  if  some  most  blessed  morn  could  show 
Thy  faithful  answer  said  for  thee  in  deeds !" 

"  Thou  may'st  not  leap  to  glory.     God  alone 

Can  bring  thee,  step  by  step,  where  waits  for  thee 

This  crown  of  life,  with  grateful  tears  to  own, 

1 1  can  do  all  through  Christ, who  strengthens  me ! '  " 


32  COXSECRA'I  ION. 


Consecration. 

I  WILL  work  with  all  my  might, 
While  the  Lord  shall  give  me  light ; 
Soon  will  come  the  silent  night. 

Soon  my  toil  on  earth  must  close 
In  that  hour  of  calm  repose, 
Undisturbed  by  friends  or  foes. 

Should  I  therefore  now  complain 
Of  my  weariness  or  pain, 
Or  of  labor  done  in  vain  ? 

Rather  let  me  strive  to  be 
More  devoted,  Lord,  to  Thee, 
Thou  who  hast  done  all  for  me  ! 

Grant  that  I  may  not  repine  ; 
Make  my  will  conform  to  Thine ; 
Keep  me  by  Thy  grace  divine. 

Then,  though  humble  be  my  place, 
If  Thy  footsteps  I  can  trace, 
I  shall  yet  behold  Thy  face. 

Patient  let  me  work  and  wait ; 
Come  the  summons  soon  or  late, 
I  shall  gladly  meet  my  fate. 


WHY  HE   TAKES  Til  EM.  33 


U3I)n  £)c  (Takes  £l)cm. 

THE  flock  stood  waiting  by  the  rapid  river, 
And  would  not  cross, 
Although  the  shepherd  kindly  called  them  thither, 

And  banks  of  moss, 

And  fields  of  green,  and  verdant  hills  surrounded 

The  further  shore  ; 
The  danger  still  their  narrow  vision  bounded 

Of  crossing  o'er. 

He  stretched  his  kindly  arms,  and  gently  called  them — 

They  would  not  heed ; 
The  deep,  broad  river's  rapid  stream  appalled  them, 

Though  pleasant  mead 

And  mountain  fair  beyond  the  darkling  river 

Rose  to  their  view, 
And  in  the  distance,  bright,  unfading  ever, 

Were  pastures  new. 

The  shepherd  took  a  lamb,  and  safely  bore  it 

Within  his  arms 
To  where  the  pastures  brightly  gleamed  before  it, 

And  all  alarms 

Were  hushed.  The  mother  heard  its  voice  of  pleading, 

And,  crossing  o'er, 
The  flock  behind  her  followed  in  her  leading 

Unto  the  shore. 
3 


34  SI  10  // '  ME  Til  Y  FA  CE. 


O  stricken  hearts,  all  torn  with  grief  and  bleeding, 

A  Saviour's  voice 
Ye  would  not  hear,  nor  follow  in  His  leading 

Of  your  own  choice. 

So  He  takes  your  lambs  into  His  keeping, 

That  eyes  all  dim 
And  dark  with  sorrow's  clouds,  and  sad  with  weeping, 
•     May  look  to  Him, 

And  see  beyond  the  darkly  rolling  river, 

Those  gone  before, 
And  to  the  fields  with  verdure  green  forever 

Cross  safely  o'er. 


Sljoro  iltc  oIl)r)  fat*. 

SHOW  me  Thy  face— 
A  cheering  beam 
Of  loveliness  divine  ; 
And  I  shall  never  think  or  dream 

Of  other  love  save  Thine. 
All  lesser  light  will  darken  quite, 

All  lower  glories  wane, — 
The  beautiful  of  earth  will  scarce 
Seem  beautiful  again  ! 

Show  me  Thy  face — - 
The  heaviest  cro 

Will  then  seem  light  to  bear  ; 
There  will  be  gain  in  every  loss, 

And  peace  with  every  care. 


EVER  WITH  ME.  35 


With  such  light  feet  the  years  will  fleet, 

Life  seem  as  brief  as  blest ; 
Till  I  have  laid  my  burden  down, 

And  entered  into  rest. 

Show  me  Thy  face — 
And  I  shall  be 

In  heart  and  mind  renewed, 
With  wisdom,  grace,  and  energy, 

To  work  Thy  work  endued. 
Shine  through  the  veil,  Immanuel, 

Until,  the  veil  removed, 
In  perfect  glory  I  behold 

The  face  that  I  have  loved  ! 


Grucr  toitl]   Ale. 

EVER  with  me,  Lord,  Thou  art, 
In  the  crowded  busy  mart, 
In  the  lone,  secluded  glen, 
Far  from  all  the  haunts  of  men. 

Ever  with  me,  by  the  way, 
When  in  weariness  I  stray ; 
Day  and  night,  at  home,  abroad, 
Thou  art  with  me,  O  my  God  ! 

Ever  with  me,  everywhere, 
All-pervading,  like  the  air, 
Penetrating  heart  and  soul, 
Bending  all  to  Thy  control. 


36  A  LITTLE  WHILE. 


Ever  with  me,  to  sustain, 
In  the  hour  of  grief  and  pain, 
Every  rising  fear  to  quell, 
All  my  sorrows  to  dispel. 

Born  of  God,  in  Him  I  live ; 
All  myself  to  Him  I  give : 
Make  me,  Lord,  forever  Thine- 
Jesus,  be  forever  mine  ! 


a  Cittle  toljilc. 

WHAT  is  this  that  He  saith  ? 
"  It  is  but  a  little  while," 
And  trouble  and  pain  and  death 
Shall  vanish  before  His  smile. 

H  A  little  while,"  and  the  load 

Shall  drop  at  the  pilgrim's  feet, 
Where  the  steep  and  thorny  road 
Doth  merge  in  the  golden  street. 

But  what  is  this  that  He  saith  ? 

"  A  little  while,"  and  the  day 
Of  the  servant  that  laboreth 

Shall  be  done  forever  and  aye. 

Oh,  the  truth  that  is  yet  untold  ! 

Oh,  the  songs  that  are  yet  unsung ! 
Oh,  the  sufferings  manifold, 

And  the  sorrows  that  have  no  tongue ! 


NIGH  T  BR  INGE  Til  CO  UNSEL.  3  J 


Oh,  the  helpless  hands  held  out, 
And  the  wayward  feet  that  stray 

In  the  desolate  paths  of  doubt 
And  the  sinner's  downward  way ! 

For  a  silence  soon  will  fall 
On  the  lips  that  burn  for  speech, 

And  the  needy  and  pour  that  call 
Will  forever  be  out  of  reach. 

"  For  the  work  that  ye  must  do 
Before  the  coming  of  death 
There  remaineth,  O  faithful  few, 
But  a  little  while,"  He  saith. 


Nigljt  Bringetl)  (Counsel. 

HTO  tired  brain  and  aching  head, 
-l     To  those  who  through  the  day, 
With  mind  distressed,  have  toiled  for  bread, 
Well-nigh  too  weary  e'en  to  pray ; 
To  such  night  bringeth  counsel. 

To  those  perplexed  alone  in  mind, 
Whose  doubts  have  banished  sleep ; 
Who  weary  watch  and  vigil  keep ; 
Who've  sought  in  vain,  all  day,  to  find 
The  needed  strength  or  Helper  kind  , 
To  such  night  bringeth  counsel. 


38  AN  EVENING  HYMN 


Perchance  they  find  night's  quiet  rest 

Can  all  their  doubts  dispel ; 
And  learn  to  say,  "  He  knoweth  best 

Who  doeth  all  things  well ; 
And  surely  He  will  give  the  light 
We  seek  to  do  our  work  aright." 
To  us  night  bringeth  counsel. 

Oh,  blessed  night !  with  darkness  crowned, 
In  thy  sweet  silence  we  have  found 

Help  in  our  precious  need. 
Refreshed  we  rise  to  meet  the  strife 
'Twixt  right  and  wrong  in  daily  life 

Which  waits  us  all.     To  us  indeed 
Night  hath  brought  counsel. 


Qln  evening  ijiimn. 

NOW  the  solemn  shadows  darken, 
And  the  daylight  slowly  dies, 
Holy  Saviour,  Thou  wilt  hearken 
When  Thy  children's  prayers  arise ; 

Blessed  Jesus, 
Look  on  us  with  loving  eyes. 

Some  are  tried  with  doubts  and  dangers, 
Some  have  found  their  hearts  grow  cold, 

Some  are  aliens  now,  and  strangers 
To  the  faith  they  loved  of  old. 

Blessed  Jesus, 
Bring  them  back  into  tl  c  fold. 


"LORD,  IS  IT  /?"  39 


Some  in  conflict  sore  have  striven 
With  temptation  fierce  and  strong ; 

Lord,  to  them  let  strength  be  given 
If  the  battle  should  be  long ! 

Blessed  Jesus, 
Change  their  mourning  into  song. 

By  Thy  passion  in  the  garden, 
By  Thine  anguish  on  the  tree, 

By  that  precious  gift  of  pardon, 
Won  for  us  alone  by  Thee, 

Blessed  Jesus, 
Set  the  sin-bound  captives  free. 

When  our  earthly  day  is  closing, 
And  the  night  grows  still  and  deep, 

Let  us,  in  Thine  arms  reposing, 
Feel  Thy  power  to  save  and  keep. 

Blessed  Jesus, 
Give  Thine  own  beloved  sleep. 


u 


"£0rb,   is   it  2V1 

ORD,  is  it  I  ?  "     I  ask  in  tears  and  sadness, 
Thy  disciple  at  Thy  sacred  board, 


L°? 


Who   from   Thy  cup  hath  drunk,  Thy  bread  hath 
broken ; 
Oh,  is  it  I,  who  shall  betray  my  Lord  ? 

"  Lord,  is  it  I  ?  "     I  ask  in  deep  emotion  ; 

"  Exceeding  sorrowful,"  my  heart  would  say, 
Though  I  should  die  with  Thee,  I'll  not  betray  Thee  ; 

Forbid  it,  Lord,  that  I  my  trust  betray. 


40  /  KNOW  Til  A  T  MY  REDEEMER  LIVES. 


"  Lord,  is  it  I  ? "    Thou  knowest  that  I  love  Thee 
I  love  Thy  habitation  and  Thy  scat ; 

I  love  to  hear  Thy  Gospel's  holy  teaching; 
With  Mary,  I  would  worship  at  Thy  feet. 

"  Lord,  is  it  I  ?  "     I  tremble  at  the  question  ; 

Oh,  is  my  faith  so  weak  in  Christ  my  God, 
That  I  for  worldly  gain  could  sell  my  Master ; 

That  I  for  worldly  joys  deny  my  Lord  ? 

"  Lord,  is  it  I  ?  '      Thou  knowest  my  temptations, 
My  spirit  willing,  though  my  flesh  is  weak ; 

My  earnest  striving,  and  my  often  failing; 
Sinning,  repenting,  still  Thy  grace  I  seek. 

"  Lord,  is  it  I  ? '      Oh,  cheer  my  drooping  spirit ! 

Unto  Thy  Cross  I  cling  in  humble  prayer, 
Distrusting  all  but  Thee,  and  Thy  great  merit, 

O  blessed  Saviour,  keep  me  in  Thy  care ! 


3  iinoxo  tljat  ittn  tlcbccmcr  Ciucs. 

ONE  sweet  and  solemn  joy  I  have 
Amidst  the  chance  and  change  of  life  : 
It  shines  upon  me,  strong  and  true, 

Thro'  smiles  and  tears,  thro'  hope  and  strife, 
O  blessed  thought !     O  faith  Divine  ! 

What  joy  and  peace  Thy  presence  gives  ! 
Though  other  hopes  be  lost  to  me, 
I  know  that  my  Redeemer  lives  ! 


IIYMX.  41 

He  lives,  as  He  once  lived  en  earth, 

The  Friend — compassionate  and  true  ! 
No  pleading  prayer,  but  He  still  hears ; 

No  sorrow,  but  He  helps  us  through  ! 
Are  any  tempted  ?     He  is  near  ! 

Is  sin  a  burden  ?     He  forgives  ! 
O  hope  that  ages  have  not  dimmed — 

I  kno.v  that  my  Redeemer  lives ! 

O  worldly-wise  !  how  can  you  doubt 

The  precious  story  of  the  Cross  ? 
How  can  you  fail  to  find  the  Lord — 

Or,  missing  Him,  survive  such  loss? 
Through  ages  dark,  through  centuries  dim, 

The  Light  of  all  the  world  still  gives 
Its  ray  Divine,  which  shall  not  cease  ! 

I  know  that  my  Redeemer  lives  ! 


f)pn, 

OTHOU,  my  heart's  best  treasure  ! 
O  Friend  unchangeable ! 
Sweet  spring  of  ceaseless  pleasure 

For  all  who  love  Thee  well ! 
Take  of  my  heart  possession, 

And  reign  alone  therein, 
Thou,  whose  dear  cross  and  passion 
Have  saved  me  from  my  sin. 

Joy  of  my  life  !  Thou  feedest 
My  soul  with  living  bread  ; 

Still  to  faith's  sight  Thou  bleedest, 
And  richest  drops  are  shed. 


42      SINCE  CHRIST  IS  COXE   TO  HEAVEN. 


When  tired  and  faint  I  languish, 
By  Thee  the  weak  is  strong, 

And  in  my  night  of  anguish 
I  tune  my  loudest  song. 

Ah,  pour  on  me  Thy  favor, 

Rich  font  of  love  and  grace ; 
Around  me  shine  forever, 

Great  Sun  of  Righteousness ! 
Without  Thy  smile  peace-giving 

Life  were  but  death  to  me ; 
Rut  in  Thy  presence  living 

True  light  and  life  I  see. 

My  heart,  in  closest  union 

With  Thine,  dear  Lord,  made  one, 
Finds  here  in  sweet  communion, 

Its  heaven  on  earth  begun  : 
Better  'mid  flames  fierce-wreathing, 

Safe  in  Thy  love  to  be, 
Than  heaven's  own  fragrance  breathing 

If  heaven  were  void  of  Thee  ! 


Since  (Cl)rist  is  ©one  to  ijcaucn. 

SINCE  Christ  is  gone  to  heaven,  His  home 
I,  too,  must  one  day  share  ; 
And  in  this  hope  I  overcome 

All  anguish,  all  despair ; 
For  where  the  Head  is,  well  we  know 
The  members  He  hath  left  below    . 
In  time  lie  gathers  there. 


WAITING.  43 


Since  Christ  hath  reached  His  glorious  t.irone 

And  mighty  gifts  are  His, 
My  heart  can  rest  in  heaven  alone  ; 

On  earth  my  Lord  I  miss : 
I  long  to  be  with  Him  on  high, 
And  heart  and  thoughts  would  hourly  fly 

Where  now  my  treasure  is. 

From  Thy  ascension  let  such  grace, 

My  Lord,  be  found  in  me, 
That  steadfast  faith  may  guide  my  ways 

Unfaltering  up  to  Thee, 
And  at  Thy  voice  I  may  depart 
With  joy  to  dwell  where  Thou,  Lord,  art ; 
Oh,  grant  this  prayer  to  me  ! 


to  a  i  t  i  n  g . 

LEARN  to  wait — life's  hardest  lesson, 
Conned,  perchance,  through  blinding  tears, 
While  the  heart-throbs  sadly  echo 
To  the  tread  of  passing  years. 

Learn  to  wait — hope's  slow  fruition  ; 

Faint  not,  though  the  way  seems  long ; 
There  is  joy  in  each  condition, 

Hearts,  through  suffering,  may  grow  strong. 

Constant  sunshine,  howe'er  welcome, 

Ne'er  would  ripen  fruit  or  flower  ; 
Giant  oaks  owe  half  their  greatness 

To  the  scathing  tempest's  power. 


44  WHAT  IS  THAT  TO   THEE t 


Thus  a  soul,  untouched  by  sorrow, 
Aims  not  at  a  higher  state  ; 

Joy  seeks  not  a  brighter  morrow, 
Only  sad  hearts  learn  to  wait. 

Human  strength  and  human  greatness 
Spring  not  from  life's  sunny  side, 

Heroes  must  be  more  than  driftwood, 
Floating  on  a  waveless  tide. 


toljat  is  £l)at  to  ffljee? 

1  WOULD  not  vainly  choose 
What  road  shall  lead  me  up  the  holy  mountain, 
What  path  conduct  me  to  the  crystal  fountain  ; 

Nor  willing  be  to  lose 
The  guidance  of  the  Hand  that  e'er  has  led 
In  ways  I  knew  not,  but  with  mercies  spread. 

When  I  am  called  to  die, 
To  yield  my  spirit  to  His  sacred  keeping, 
To  rest  my  body  in  the  long,  long  sleeping, 

I  fain  would  not  belie 
My  trust  in  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well, 
Whose  will  alone  my  every  wish  should  quell. 

If  gentle  be  the  call, 
If  faint  and  feeble  be  the  distant  warning, 
Like  dimmest  daybreak  of  the  early  morning 

Tipping  the  pine  tree  tall, 
And  brighter  growing  till  the  red  east  shines 
With  fullest  glory  on  the  glowing  pines. 


SPEAK  LOW,  SPEAK  LITTLE,  45 


How  grateful  should  I  feci  ! 
That  I  might  still  behold  my  loved  ones  longer, 
Might  tarry  till  my  timid  faith  grew  stronger, 

Might  linger  to  reveal 
The  loves  that  buoyant  life  can  ne'er  unveil — 
Like  odors  evening  only  can  exhale. 

If  sudden  be  the  stroke, 
If  all  unheralded  His  solemn  coming, 
Like  flash,  fast  followed  by  the  thunder's  booming, 

That  scathes  the.  skyward  oak, 
While  pale  with  fear  we  hold  our  bated  breath, 
In  awe  of  the  swift  messenger  of  death, — 

How  blest  the  favored  lot ! 
A  lot  to  few  departing  spirits  given, 
Painless  to  pass  from  earth  and  sin  to  heaven. 

O  surely  it  were  not 
Departure  we  should  dread,  at  once  to  rise 
On  whirlwind  pinions  to  the  opening  skies. 

So  I  repose  my  trust ; 
And  whether  speedy  messenger  obeying, 
Or  waiting,  patiently,  my  Lord's  delaying 

To  summon  me  to  rest. 
On  His  dear  love  my  willing  trust  would  dwell ; 
He  knoweth  best — He  doeth  all  things  well. 


Speak  £ott),  Speak  tittle. 


SPEAK  low,  speak  little  :  who  may  sin< 
While  vonder  cannon  thunders  boom  ? 


[g 


46  BECA  USE. 


Watch,  shuddering,  what  each  day  may  bring, 
Nor  "  pipe  amid  the  crack  of  doom  ! " 

And  yet — the  pines  sing  overhead, 

The  robins  by  the  alder-pool, 
The  bees  about  the  garden-bed, 

The  children  dancing  home  from  school. 

And  ever  at  the  loom  of  Birth 

The  mighty  Mother  weaves  and  sings  : 

She  weaves — fresh  robes  for  mangled  earth  ; 
She  sings — fresh  hopes  for  desperate  things. 

And  thou,  too,  if  through  Nature's  calm 
Some  strain  of  music  touch  thine  ears, 

Accept  and  share  that  soothing  balm, 

And  sing,  though  choked  with  pitying  tears. 


13 1 1  a  n  a  e . 

WITH  such  a  grovelling  heart  how  shall  I  dare 
Ask  Thee,  my  Lord,  to  make  Thy  dwelling 
there  ? 
— Because  the  Bethlehem  stable  Thou  didst  share. 

With  restless  passions,  surging  like  a  sea, 
How  can  I  think  to  find  repose  for  Thee  ? 
— Because  Thy  voice  hushed  stormy  Galilee. 

With  guilt's  defilement  stained  without,  within, 
How  may  I  hope  Thy  cleansing  grace  to  win  ? 
— Because  Thou  saidst,   '  1  have  forgiven  thy  sin." 


OUT  AND  INTO.  47 


With  earth's  poor,  caresome  droilings  tired,  opprest, 
What  right  have  I  to  lean  upon  Thy  breast  ? 
— Because  Thou  ofleredst  to  the  weary  rest. 

With  soul  affections  stony-cold  and  dead, 
What  claim  have  I  to  plead  for  life  instead  ? 
— Because  in  Joseph's  tomb  was  laid  Thy  head. 


(Dnt  anh  3nlo. 

u  He  brought  us  out  ....  that  He  might  bring  us  in."— Deut.  vi.  23. 

OUT  of  the  distance  and  darkness  so  deep, 
Out  of  the  settled  and  perilous  sleep, 

Out  of  the  region  and  shadow  of  death, 

Out  of  its  foul  and  pestilent  breath, 

Out  of  the  bondage  and  weary  chains, 

Out  of  companionship  ever  with  stains  : 
Into  the  light  and  glory  of  God, 
Into  the  holiest,  made  clean  by  blood, 
Into  His  arms,  the  embrace  and  the  kiss, 
Into  the  scene  of  ineffable  bliss, 
Into  the  quiet  and  infinite  calm, 
Into  the  place  of  the  song  and  the  psalm. 

Wonderful  love,  that  has  wrought  all  for  me  ! 

Wonderful  work,  that  has  thus  set  me  so  free  ! 

Wonderful  ground,  upon  which  I  have  come  ! 

Wonderful  tenderness,  welcoming  home  ! 

Out  of  disaster  and  ruin  complete, 
Out  of  the  struggle  and  dreary  defeat, 
Out  of  my  sorrow,  and  bondage,  and  shame, 
Out  of  the  evils  too  tearful  to  name, 


4S  OUT  AXD  IX TO. 


Out  of  my  guilt  and  the  criminal's  doom, 

Out  of  the  dreading,  and  terror,  and  gloom  : 
Into  the  sense  of  forgiveness  and  rest, 
Into  inheritance  with  all  the  blest, 
Into  a  righteous  and  permanent  peace, 
Into  the  grandest  and  fullest  release, 
Into  the  comfort  without  an  alloy, 
Into  a  perfect  and  confident  joy. 

Wonderful  holiness,  bringing  to  light  ! 

Wonderful  grace,  putting  all  out  of  sight ! 

Wonderful  lowliness,  draining  my  cup  ! 

Wonderful  purpose,  that  ne'er  gave  me  up  ! 

Out  of  the  horror  of  being  alone, 

Out  and  forever  of  being  my  own, 

Out  of  the  bitterness,  madness,  and  strife, 

Out  of  myself  and  all  I  called  life, 

Out  of  the  hardness  of  heart  and  of  will, 

Out  of  the  longings  that  nothing  could  fill  : 
Into  communion  with  Father  and  Son, 
Into  the  sharing  of  all  that  Christ  won, 
Into  the  ecstasies  full  to  the  brim, 
Into  the  bearing  of  all  things  wTith  Him, 
Into  Christ  Jesus,  there  ever  to  dwell, 
Into  more  blessings  than  words  can  e'er  tell, 

Wonderful  Person,  whose  face  I'll  behold  ! 

Wonderful  story,  there  all  to  be  told  ! 

Wonderful,  all  the  dread  way  that  He  trod  ! 

Wonderful  end,  that  He  brought  me  to  God  ! 


A   PRA  YER.  49 


£l)c  (jjeart's  £jomc. 

uGod  is  lave:  and  he  that  dwell eth  in  lo~>e,  dwelleth  in  Gody  and 
God  in  hint." — i  John  iv.  16. 

OLORD,  in  whom  are  all  my  springs, 
Joyful  to  Thee  I  come; 
My  grateful  heart  exultant  sings 
To  know  Thou  art  its  home. 

The  shelter  of  Thy  glorious  arms, 
How  strong  and  safe  and  sweet ! 

From  sense  and  sin,  from  all  alarms, 
I  fly  to  this  retreat. 

There  is  my  sure  and  tranquil  rest, 

In  every  troubled  hour ; 
Weary,  I  lean  upon  Thy  breast, 

And  feel  its  soothing  power. 

In  that  dear  place  of  purest  love, 

What  wings  encircle  me  ! 
Naught  in  the  world  can  ever  move 

My  trusting  soul  from  Thee. 

My  Lord !  if  now  I  find  in  Thee 

So  blest  and  sweet  a  home, 
What  shall  the  heavenly  mansion  be 

When  to  its  door  I  come 


Gt   p  r  a  t]  c  v . 

I  BOW  my  head,  I  bend  my  knee, 
My  prayerful  voice  goes  up  to  Thee ; 
Lord,  wilt  Thou  hearken  unto  me  ? 
4 


50  "FOR  MY  SAKE." 


I  call  Thy  name  with  anguished  cry, 
I  wait  and  long  for  some  reply ; 
Lord,  give  me  answer  or  I  die. 

Thou,  on  Thy  far-off  mercy  throne, 
Have  pity  on  my  ceaseless  moan  ; 
Lord,  let  Thy  mercy's  power  be  shown. 

I  pray  Thee  that  Thy  Spirit  may 
Lead  me  in  some  diviner  way, 
And  teach  me  to  forget  this  day. 

I  pray  Thee  that  this  grief  I  know 
May  lift  me,  though  I  am  brought  low ; 
May  teach  me  gladness  out  of  woe. 

For  Him  who  for  our  lives  has  died, 

For  those  sad  wounds  that  pierced  His  side, 

Lord,  heal  my  poor  heart  crucified  ! 


"Sot  l\\x)  Sake." 

THREE  little  words,  but  full  of  tenderest  meaning ; 
Three  little  words,  the  heart  can  scarcely  hold ; 
Three  little  words,  but  on  their  import  dwelling 
What  wealth  of  love  these  syllables  unfold  ! 

11  For  my  sake  "  cheer  the  suffering,  help  the  needy  ; 

On  earth  this  was  my  work,  I  give  it  thee ; 
If  thou  wouldst  follow  in  thy  Master's  footsteps, 

Take  up  my  cross,  and  come  and  learn  of  me. 


AN  IDLE  PR  A  YER.  5 1 


"  For  my  sake"  let  the  little  ones  be  tended, 

All  that  I  give  unto  thee  safely  keep ; 
I  took  them  in  my  arms,  received  and  blessed  them, 

Do  thou  the  same  for  me,  "  Feed  now  my  sheep." 

"  For  my  sake  "  let  the  harsh  word  die  unuttered, 
That  trembles  on  the  swift,  impetuous  tongue ; 

"  For  my  sake"  check  the  quick,  rebellious  feeling 
That  rises  when  thy  brother  does  thee  wrong. 

"  For  my  sake  "  press  thou  with  patience  onward, 
Although  the  race  be  hard,  the  battle  long ; 

Within  my  Father's  house  are  many  mansions, 
There  thou  shalt  rest  and  join  the  victor's  song. 

And  if  in  coming  days  the  world  revile  thee, 
If  "for  my  sake"  thou  suffer  pain  and  loss, 

Bear  on,  faint  heart,  thy  Master  went  before  thee, 
They  only  wear  His  crown  who  share  His  cross. 

O  Thou,  dear  Lord,  who  walked  the  earth  incarnate, 
Fain  would  we  follow,  but  we  fear,  we  fall ; 

Lo  !  at  Thy  feet  we  bend,  Thy  aid  imploring, 
Our  only  plea  that  "  for  thy  sake  "  we  call. 


L 


&u  3Me  Jhrager. 

ONG  time  I  prayed  :  "  My  God, 
More  of  Thy  love  abroad 
Help  one  to  shew." 


52  COX  TEXT. 


This  day  it  flashed  on  me 
I  had  prayed  thoughtlessly  ; 

More  I  should  know. 

So  when  I  seek  His  face, 

I  shall  pray  :  "  Greater  grace, 

Dear  Lord,  bestow  !  " 


Content. 

'/  have  learned  in  -whatsoever  state  I  amy  there~uith  to  be  content" 

— Phil.  it.  ii. 

HAVE  I  learned,  in  whatsoever 
State,  to  be  content  ? 
Have  I  learned  this  blessed  lesson, 

By  my  Master  sent, — 
And  with  joyous  acquiescence 

Do  I  greet  His  will, 
E\en  when  my  own  is  thwarted, 
And  my  hands  lie  still  ? 

Surely  it  is  best,  and  sweetest, 

Thus  to  have  Him  choose, 
Even  though  some  work  I've  taken, 

By  this  choice  I  lose. 
Folded  hands  need  not  be  idle — 

Fold  them  but  in  prayer, 
Other  souls  may  toil  far  better 

For  God's  answer  there. 


They  that  "  reap  "  receive  their  "  wages," 
Those  who  "work,"  their  "crown," 


HYMN  TO   THE  SAIIOUR.  S3 


Those  who  pray,  throughout  the  ages 
Bring  blest  answers  down  ; 

In  "whatever  state"  abiding 
Till  the  Master  call, 

They  at  eventide  will  find  Him, 
Glorified  in  all. 

What  though  I  can  do  so  little 

For  my  Lord  and  King, 
At  His  feet  I  sit  and  listen, 

At  His  feet  I  sing. 
And  whatever  my  condition, 

All  in  love  is  meant ; 
Sing,  my  soul,  thy  recognition  ! 

Sing,  and  be  content ! 


£)mnn  ta  tlje  Satnonr. 

CHRIST,  who  art  above  the  sky, 
Teach  me  how  to  live  and  die ; 
God  has  sent  me  here  to  be, 
Born  of  human-kind  like  Thee  : 
Thou  hast  gone  before  me  here ; 
Make  my  pathway  safe  and  clear. 

Pure  as  snow  from  taint  of  wrong, 
Thou  hast  felt  temptation  strong ; 
Thou  wilt  help  me  firm  to  stand 
When  the  tempter  is  at  hand : 
Thou  wilt  turn  my  thoughts  to  Thee, 
And  the  thought  of  sin  will  flee. 


54  THE  MASTER'S  CALL. 


When  I  fall,  my  weakness  spare ; 
Saviour,  save  me  from  despair ! 
By  the  mercy-gate  Thou  art, 
Vision  of  the  Bleeding  Heart ! 
If  I  kneel  before  the  gate, 
Thou  wilt  never  cry  :  "  Too  late." 

If  I  fall  on  evil  days ; 

If  the  hope  of  life  delays ; 

If  my  dear  ones  leave  me  lone ; 

Be  Thou  here  when  they  are  gone : 

Thou  hast  known  what  sorrow  is ; 

Thou  wilt  turn  my  tears  to  bliss. 

So  far  oil,  and  yet  so  near, 

Fill  me  with  Thy  presence  here ! 

By  the  love  that  brought  Thee  down, 

By  the  ancient  cross  and  crown, 

Aid  me  here  to  live  and  die, 

Christ,  who  art  above  the  sky. 


®i)c  matter  e  Call. 

UP,  and  be  doing!  the  time  is  brief, 
And  life  is  frail  as  the  autumn  leaf. 

To  God  and  thy  better  self  be  true, 

Do  with  thy  might  what  thou  findest  to  do. 

Though  the  day  is  bright  and  the  sun  is  high, 
Ere  long  'twill  k  tie  from  the  glowing  sky  ; 


THE  MASTERS  CALL.  55 


While  the  evening  shadows  darkly  fall — 
There's  a  time  for  rest,  it  will  come  to  all. 

The  harvest  is  white,  and  the  field  is  wide, 
And  thou  at  thine  ease  mayst  not  abide. 

The  reapers  are  few  and  far  between, 
And  Death  is  abroad  with  his  sickle  keen. 

Oh,  think  of  the  Master,  worn  and  faint, 
Whose  meek  lips  uttered  no  sad  complaint, 

Who  toiled  for  thee  'mid  the  noontide  heat, 
And  sought  no  rest  for  His  weary  feet ; 

Of  a  Father's  wrath  who  drank  the  wine 
And  bore  His  cross  to  lighten  thine. 

Go  forth  and  labor  !  a  crown  awaits 

The  faithful  servant,  at  heaven's  high  gates ; 

For  a  death  of  shame,  the  Saviour  died, 
To  open  those  golden  portals  wide, 

That  souls  redeemed  from  the  toils  of  sin 
In  his  spotless  robes  might  enter  in. 

Work  with  thy  might !  ere  the  day  of  grace 
Is  spent,  ere  the  night  steals  on  apace — 

The  Master  has  given  His  pledge  divine ; 
Who  winneth  souls,  like  the  stars  shall  shine ! 


5  6  THE  FOOLISH  VIRGIN 


£f)c  i^bolisl)  birgiti. 

**  'T^HE  midnight  comes  and  my  lamp  unfilled ! 

-i       (Black  and  stormy  the  night  wanes  on.) 
"  Sisters,  help  !  ere  my  hope  be  killed  ; 
Give,  of  your  store,  that  my  lamp  be  filled." 
The  Bridegroom  into  the  House  hath  gone.) 

"  Sisters,  help  !"     They  have  closed  the  door. 

(Black  and  stormy  the  night  wanes  on.) 
Naught  they  gave  of  their  brimming  store, 
Each  one  watching  the  lamp  she  bore. 

(The  Bridegroom  into  the  House  hath  gone.) 

"  I  will  knock,  though  the  door  be  closed." 
(Black  and  stormy  the  night  wanes  on.) 

"  Lord,  thy  handmaid  waits.     Unclose  ! 

Around  me  night  like  a  river  flows." 

(The  Bridegroom  into  the  House  hath  gone.) 

"Who  knocks  so  late  from  the  darkened  East?' 

(Black  and  stormy  the  night  wanes  on.) 
"  Depart !  I  know  nor  greater  nor  least 
Who  brings  no  light  to  the  marriage  feast." 
(The  Bridegroom  into  the  House  hath  gone.) 

"  Depart !    Too  late  ! "     Oh,  words  of  doom  ! 

(Black  and  stormy  the  night  wanes  on.) 
Watch  well  thy  lamp,  that  it  light  the  gloom 
And  show  the  way  to  the  festal  room. 

(The  Bridegroom  into  the  House  hath  gone.) 


THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  ROCK.  57 


A 


Dwellers  in  Cents. 


WHILE  on  earth  we  roam, 
In  these  frail  houses  which  are  not  our  home, 
Journeying  toward  a  refuge  that  is  sure, — 
A  rest  secure. 

Only  a  little  while 
We  dread  the  frown  of  life,  and  court  its  smile  ; 
A  dwelling  then  we  have,  not  made  with  hands, 

In  other  lands. 

Therefore  we  need  not  mourn 
That  sudden  clouds  across  our  skies  are  borne  ; 
That  winter  chills  us,  and  the  storm  makes  rents 

In  our  frail  tents. 

Therefore  we  need  not  fear, 
Though  moth  and  rust  corrupt  our  treasure  here  ; 
Though  midnight  thieves  creep  in  with  silent  stealth 

To  steal  our  wealth. 

For  in  our  Father's  house 
A  mansion  fair  He  has  prepared  for  us  ; 
And  only  till  His  voice  shall  call  us  hence, 

We  dwell  in  tents. 


£l)c  Sljaboto  of  ilje  Rock. 

kM  hiding-place  from  the  wind  and  a  covert  from  the  tempest , 
as  i  ivers  of  water  in  a  dry  place  ;  as  the  shadow  of  a  great  Rock 
in  a  weary  land.'' — Is.  xxxii.  2. 


iry 

N  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock 
Let  me  rest, 


1 


58  THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  ROCK 


When  I  feel  the  tempest's  shock 

Thrill  my  breast ; 
All  in  vain  the  storm  shall  sweep 

While  I  hide, 
And  my  tranquil  station  keep 

By  Thy  side. 

On  the  parched  and  desert  way 

Where  I  tread, 
With  the  scorching  noontide  ray 

O'er  my  head  ; 
Let  me  find  the  welcome  shade, 

Cool  and  still, 
And  my  weary  steps  be  stayed 

While  I  will. 

I  in  peace  will  rest  me  there 

Till  I  see 
That  the  skies  again  are  fair 

Over  me  ; 
That  the  burning  heats  are  past, 

And  the  day 
Bids  the  traveler  at  last 

Go  his  way. 

Then  my  pilgrim  staff  I'll  take, 

And  once  more 
I'll  my  onward  journey  make 

As  before  ; 
And  with  joyous  heart  and  strong 

I  will  raise 
Unto  Thee,  O  Rock,  a  song 

Glad  with  praise  ! 


MISUNDERSTOOD.  59 


])  V  a  1J    ©It, 

PRAY  on  ;  nor  faint,  nor  cease, 
Nor  ever  weary  grow, 
Until  the  answer  come  in  peace  ; 
Faint  not,  pray  on. 

Pray  on  ;  for  dear  ones  need 
Thy  loving  supplication, 

And  God  is  pledged  to  heed  ; 
Faint  not,  pray  on. 

Pray  on  ;  it  is  the  way 
He  takes  to  succor  thee, 

With  strength  for  every  day  ; 
Faint  not,  pray  on. 

Pray  on  ;  in  faith  and  love, 

Believing  in  His  power 
To  hear  thee  from  above  ; 

Faint  not,  pray  on. 

Pray  on  ;  the  promise  rests 

Upon  unceasing  prayer, 
Until  thou  win  thy  soul's  requests, 

Faint  not,  pray  on. 


IHisunbcrstoob. 

THERE'S  many  a  burden  bound  to  many  a  back 
Unseen,  yet  hard  to  bear ; 
There's  many  a  form  stretched  often  on  the  rack. 
A  smiling  face  must  wear. 


6o  THE  PRY  IXC  HAND. 


There's  many  a  labor  going  bravely  on, 
All  underneath  the  ground  ; 

There's  many  a  battle  fought  and  victory  won 
Without  a  warlike  sound. 

There's  many  a  tongue  that  does  not  smoothly  tell 

The  news  of  greatest  good, 
But  ever  tolls  like  a  discordant  bell — 

Its  words  misunderstood. 

There's  many  a  hand  that  is  not  quick  to  do 

The  duties  that  it  would, 
But  labors  lamely,  though  the  heart  be  true — 

Its  deeds  misunderstood. 

There's  many  a  life  that  treads  the  world  alone, 

As  if  in  bitter  mood  ; 
It  may  seem  void  because  not  better  known — 

A  life  misunderstood. 

Oh,  sons  of  men,  I  pray  you  take  good  heed  ; 

Speak,  do,  live,  as  you  should  ; 
And  know  that  then  your  word,  your  every  deed, 

Your  life,  God  understood  ! 


£l)c  ftrning  Qanb. 

OUT  of  a  darkened  room  I  drew  my  friend, 
And  knowing  every  step  and  where  was  light 
Assured  my  leading  to  be  safe  as  sight, 
And  bade  her  on  that  utterly  depend. 


MY  VOICE   SHALT  THOU  HEAR.  6 1 


Then  she  leaned  on  me  as  secure  from  harm 
Till,  as  we  reached  the  darkest  place  of  all, 
I  heard  uncertain  touches  on  the  wall, 

And  felt  a  lessening  weight  upon  my  arm. 

Ah,  me  !  how  Love,  both  human  and  divine, 

Must  feel  the  hurt,  when  Trust,  impelled  by  Doubt; 
Leans  one  arm  less  to  stretch  the  other  out, 

And  groping,  does  but  half  of  self  resign  ! 


fttp  boice  sljalt  QL\)on  Cjcax  in  tl)c  iltorning. 

MY  voice  shalt  Thou  hear  this  morning, 
For  the  shades  have  passed  away ; 
And  out  from  the  dark,  like  a  joyous  lark, 

My  heart  soars  up  with  the  day ; 
And  its  burden  all  is  blessing, 

And  its  accents  all  are  song  ; 
For  Thou  hast  refreshed  its  slumbers, 
And  Thy  strength  hath  made  it  strong. 

My  voice  shalt  Thou  hear  this  morning, 

For  the  day  is  all  unknown  ; 
And  I  am  afraid,  without  Thine  aid, 

To  travel  its  hours  alone. 
Give  me  Thy  light  to  lead  me, 

Give  me  Thy  hand  to  guide  ; 
Give  me  Thy  living  presence, 

To  journey  side  by  side. 


62   "HOIV  MUCH  OIVEST  THOU  MY  LORDT 


Star  of  eternal  morning, 

Sun  that  can  ne'er  decline, 
Day  that  is  bright  with  unfading  light, 

Ever  above  me  shine. 
For  the  night  shall  all  be  noontide, 

And  the  clouds  shall  vanish  far, 
When  my  path  of  life  is  gilded 

By  the  bright  and  Morning  Star. 


"5cm  iltncl)  (Dtocst  (Eljau  ittn  £orb? 

HOW  much  ?— alas,  if  I  could  tell, 
I  might  have  hope  to  cancel  it ; 
But  still  the  numbers  swell  and  swell, 
Till  now  my  debt  is  infinite. 

I  owe  Him  for  my  very  breath, 
My  life,  from  His  own  life  distilled  ; 

For  all  His  boundless  promise  saith, 
As  well  as  for  His  word  fulfilled. 

Oh,  every  joy  that  glads  my  path, 
Oh,  every  hope  that  gilds  my  way, 

Still  for  its  gracious  author  hath 

My  Lord — and  I  have  nought  to  pay  ! 

Even  the  sorrows  that  He  sends 

Proclaim  His  love,  and  blossom  fair 

With  wise  designs  and  wholesome  ends, 
Whose  harvest  waits  me  otherwhere. 


■>* 


AS  A   CHILD.  63 


Oh,  boundless  grace — too  often  met 
With  doubt  and  coldness  !  woe  is  me  ! 

And,  hopeless  to  discharge  my  debt, 
"  Have  mercy  !  "  is  my  only  plea. 


St.  Mark  xiii.  37. 

COULD  Christians  watch  ten  thousand  years 
Before  their  Lord  Himself  appears, 
Yet,  as  He  then  shall  come  at  last, 
Twere  wise,  through  all  the  ages  past, 
To  have  watched  and  waited,  and  have  borne 
The  scoffer's  jest,  the  worldling's  scorn. 
But  those  who  watch  not  in  the  day 
Will  surely  sleep  the  night  away. 

Lord,  make  me  at  all  hours  awake, 
And  self-denied  Thy  cross  to  take, 
Robed  for  Thy  nuptial  feast  in  white, 
With  lamp  in  hand  and  burning  bright ; 
Nor  lack  of  precious  oil  be  mine 
When  the  loud  cry,  "  Arise  and  shine  ! " 
Proclaims  Thee  come  in  bridal  state, 
And  when  preparing  is  too  late  ! 


&*   a   (Cl)ilb. 

WHEN  evening  cools  the  fevered  world 
And  curtains  out  the  glowing  day, 
Comes  little  Two- Year-Old  to  me, 
All  weary  from  her  baby  play. 


64  ASA   CHILD, 


Well  pleased,  I  take  her  in  my  arms, 

My  better  angel,  robed  in  white, 
And,  nestling  warm  in  my  embrace, 

She  woos  the  grateful  rest  of  night. 

Yet,  ere  her  senses  fade  away, 

Her  chubby  hand  she  puts  in  mine, 
And  then,  but  not  till  then,  to  sleep 

Her  wee,  spent  powers  will  resign. 
And  if  from  midnight  slumbers  roused, 

She  cries,  not  knowing  I  am  near, 
One  loving  pressure  of  my  hand 

Will  still  her  every  doubt  and  fear. 

Sweet,  child-like  trust !     She  knows  me  not, 

As  she,  God  willing,  yet  shall  know; 
Her  melting  eye,  when  fixed  on  mine, 

Will  oft  with  wonder  overflow ; 
Yet,  wiser  than  some  sages  are, 

Who  doubt  when  faith  should  strongest  be, 
She  knows  I  love  her,  that  her  heart 

A  refuge  sure  may  find  in  me. 

And  so,  O  God !  when  this  frail  soul, 

By  secret  doubt  and  fear  beguiled, 
Bows  to  the  dust,  may  Thy  sweet  grace 

Grant  me  the  faith  of  this  dear  child. 
When  Trial's  darkest  hour  draws  nigh 

And  momently  my  woes  increase, 
Grant  that  a  child-like  faith  in  Thee 

May  give  my  heart  a  Christ-like  peace. 

Yes,  I  will  trust  Thee,  come  what  may, 

Though  mystery  hides  Thee  from  my  sight; 


MY  LOVE.  65 


Trust  Thee,  O  God  !  in  life's  glad  day, 
But  trust  Thee  more  in  life's  dark  night. 

I  ask  Thee  not  for  wealth  or  fame ; 
I  ask  not  armies  to  command  . 

But  may  I,  weaker  than  a  child, 
In  faith  e'er  feel  Thy  loving  hand. 


tan 

Y  dearest  love  !    My  soul's  supreme  delight, 
At  early  morning  hour  and  late  at  night ; 
In  prayers  and  tears  and  vows,  to  Thee  I  plight 
My  troth,  my  love  ! 


M 


Thou  speakest  to  my  soul  in  music  sweet, 
And  all  Thy  priceless  words  I  would  repeat ; 
Nor  wish  for  more  than  at  Thy  precious  feet 
To  lie,  my  love  ! 

As  to  the  thirsting  earth  the  dew  and  shower; 
As  is  the  fragrance  of  the  sweetest  flower ; 
As  to  declining  age  sustaining  power; 

So  is  my  love. 

As  speech  is  to  the  dumb,  sight  to  the  blind ; 
As  heavenly  music  to  the  adoring  mind ; 
As  friend  deserting  not,  but  always  kind ; 

So  is  my  love  ! 

I  love  Him  first,  because  He  first  loved  me ; 
And  heaven  and  earth  will  pass  away  and  be 
As  things  that  were,  ere  I  shall  ever  see 
Change  in  His  love  ! 


66  /  AM   Til IX E. 


I  give  myself  to  Him,  my  all  in  all ; 
With  patience,  faith,  and  hope  I  wait  the  call, 
When  I  into  His  folding  arms  may  fall, 

Of  Christ,  my  love. 

Then  be  at  rest ;  nor  sin,  nor  troubles  more 
My  soul  disturb;  with  nothing  to  deplore; 
Redeemed,  beloved  of  Him  whom  I  adore, 
My  God,  my  love  ! 


2   a  m   ffil) i n c . 

LORD,  I  am  Thine,  all  glory  to  Thy  name ; 
I  to  Thy  law  my  life,  myself  resign  ; 
Of  right  Thou  dost  my  love,  my  worship  claim, 

And  I  am  Thine. 

In  paths  of  doubt  I  wandered,  lost,  of  yore, 

When,  lo  !  upon  my  path  Thou  deign'dst  to  shine  ; 
Once  was  my  heart  a  void,  and  death  in  store  ; 

Now  I  am  Thine. 

The  world  erewhile  enchained  my  captive  soul, 

But  now  I  dwell  beneath  Thy  rule  divine ; 
Sweet  is  Thy  yoke ;  on  Thee  my  cares  I  roll, 

For  I  am  Thine. 

Me  to  receive  with  welcome  to  Thy  heart, 

Thine  arms  outspread,  and  looks  of  love  combine 
0  Lord,  I  come ;  I  choose  that  better  part ; 

Thine,  wholly  Thine. 


BIXDING  SUE  A  VES.  67 


Possessing  Thcc,  I  am  of  all  possessed ; 

And  'tis  by  faith  this  happy  lot  is  mine ; 
Upon  Thy  bosom,  Lord,  in  peace  I  rest, 

Thine,  only  Thine. 

None  from  the  Book  of  Life  shall  blot  my  name ; 

No  tempter  from  Thy  paths  my  steps  incline ; 
'Tis  death,  'tis  life,  Thy  piercing  glance  of  flame ; 

But  I  am  Thine. 

While  on  this  earth  I  sojourn  by  Thy  will, 

My  Saviour  and  my  God,  still  be  Thou  mine ; 
Till  safe  in  Heaven  I  bless  Thy  mercy  still, 

Forever  Thine. 


Shifting  Sljcaucs. 

*    T3  EAPER,"  I  asked, "  among  the  golden  sheaves, 

-LV    Toiling  at  noon  amid  the  falling  leaves, 
What  recompense  hast  thou  for  all  thy  toil, 
What  tithe  of  all  thy  Master's  wine  and  oil  ? 
Or  dost  thou  coin  thy  brow's  hot  drops  to  gold, 
Or  add  to  house  and  land,  or  flock  and  fold  ?  " 

The  reaper  paused  from  binding  close  the  grain, 
And  said,  while  shone  his  smile  through  labor's  stain  ■ 
"  I  do  my  Master's  work,  as  He  hath  taught, 
And  work  of  love  with  gold  was  never  bought. 
He  knoweth  all  of  which  my  life  hath  need — 
His  servants  reap  as  they  have  sown  the  seed. 
With  all  my  heart  I  bind  my  Master's  grain, 
And  love  makes  nweet  my  labor  and  my  pain." 


68  GOD'S  LOVE. 


Then  bending  low  beneath  the  burning  sun, 
The  reaper  toiled  until  the  day  was  done. 
"  Lo  !  here,"  I  said,  "  love's  largess  seemeth  more 
Than  cruse  of  wine  or  oil  that  runneth  o'er ; 
If  work  of  love  such  store  of  wealth  doth  yield, 
I,  too,  will  labor  in  the  Master's  field !" 


©ob16   £odc. 

"I  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love." 

OLORD,  we  know  no  love  like  Thine, 
Exhaustless,  boundless,  free ; 
Whose  lowest  limit  lies  concealed 
Beyond  eternity. 

The  tallest  mountain-tops  are  low, 
The  soundless  seas  are  small, 

Compared  with  Thy  unmeasured  love 
Embracing,  bearing  all. 

For  Thou  art  round  us,  oh,  our  God, 
As  round  the  sea  the  shore ; 

Our  bound'ry,  which  no  waves  of  woe 
Can  pass  forevermore. 

The  dazzling  day  may  tempt  our  feet 
To  wander  from  Thy  sight ; 

Yet  none,  however  footsore  grown, 
But  turns  to  Thee  by  night. 


DAILY  BREAD.  69 


Across  our  pathway's  deepest  gloom, 

As  from  a  home,  we  see 
Thy  love,  a  burning  flame,  whose  light 

Reveals  the  way  to  Thee. 

And  tend'rer  than  the  tend'rest  tones, 

From  lips  we  love  the  best, 
The  melting  music  of  Thy  voice 

That  calls  us  to  our  rest. 

Oh,  may  we  ever  see  Thy  beams 

Upon  our  wildest  track, 
And  hear,  when  farthest  from  Thee  strayed, 

Thy  sweet  voice  call  us  back.- 

And  from  our  wand'rings  may  we  turn, 

Not  solely  for  the  night, 
But  make  Thee,  of  our  gladdest  days, 

Our  glory  and  delight. 


Dailji   Bxcah . 

DIVINELY  kept,  divinely  fed, 
Since  He  who  gives  my  daily  bread 
Hath  all  my  steps  in  safety  led. 

Why  should  I  fear  for  anything 
The  coming  days  to  me  may  bring, 
Or,  faithless,  cease  His  love  to  sing? 

My  portion's  not  what  angels  brought ; 
My  task  is  not  an  angel's  thought, 
Nor  is  my  care  of  angels  wrought. 


70     AT  EVENTIDE  IT  SHALL  BE  LIGHT. 


But  God  Himself  hath  stooped  to  make 
My  life  a  gladness.     For  His  sake, 
My  daily  bread  with  thanks  I  take. 

Though  flesh  and  heart  may  fail  and  faint 
Beneath  the  chain  of  sin's  constraint, 
And  oft  I  lift  a  weary  plaint ; 

Though  to  the  last  I  seem  to  come 
And  see,  with  lips  dismayed  and  dumb, 
The  draining  drops,  the  lessening  crumb; 

Yet  He  who  only  bids  me  pray 
For  what  I  need,  from  day  to  day, 
Is  pledged  to  keep  me  by  the  way. 

In  all  the  hunger  of  my  soul, 

In  all  the  sorrow  and  the  dole, 

His  grace  shall  surely  make  me  whole. 


ftt  Qfoentibe  it  Sljull  be  tigljt. 

FORTH  to  thy  work  from  morn  till  night, 
Through  fog  and  din  thy  path  would  be ; 
Whilst  I  at  home  upon  the  height 

Would  work  and  rest  and  wait  for  thee. 

But  now  along  the  way  of  life 

Through  dust  and  din  my  path  must  be, 
Whilst  thou,  above  all  mists  and  strife, 

Waitest  at  Home,  on  high,  for  me. 


COMPENSATION.  71 


I  will  not  call  them  "weary  ways ;" 
No  murmur  ever  left  Thy  lips  ! 

I  will  not  sigh  o'er  "  dreary  days," 
Though  darkened  by  Thy  light's  eclipse. 

A  Presence  wraps  me  everywhere, 

The  Presence  in  which  thou  art  blest ; 

The  Face,  the  Sun  of  Worlds,  is  there, 
Yet  bright  to  us  the  glistening  west. 

The  work  is  good,  the  way  is  right — 
But  yet,  I  think,  an  hour  shall  be 

At  evening  on  the  home-like  height 
Which  will  be  morn  to  thee  and  me. 


A 


(JTompcnsation. 

S  singing  after  silence  is,  or  sun  is  after  rain, 
So  may  the  lesson  be  that  tells  the  blessedness 
of  pain  : 


For  only  at  the  ending  of  the  journey  lies  the  crown  ; 
And  none  see  all  its  light  but  they  who  on  its  light 
look  down. 

Life's  labor  won  is  never  won,  until  it  first  be  lost ; 
As  priceless  things  most  priceless  are  when  bought 
at  priceless  cost. 

The  sorrow  and  the  sinning  that  are  o'er  shall  be 
the  way 


72  COMPENSATION, 


That  leads  us  from  a  darkened  past  into  a  brighten- 
ing day. 

Though  still,  as  in  the  past,  the  night  must  come 

before  the  morn  ; 
The  loftiest  loves  in  sorrow  still  must  deepest  down 

be  born. 

Not  all  on  page  of  parchment,  or  on  monumental 

stone, 
The  records  have  been  graven  that  the  universe  hath 

known  : 

God  still  is  writing  gospels  in  the  lives  of  those  that 

sin  ; 
E'en  while  their   hearts   refuse  to  let  the   graver's 

chisel  in. 

Though  all  have  sinned,  and  still  they  sin,  it  shall 

not  be  in  vain 
That  any  human  heart  has  drunk  the  dregs  of  human 

pain  ; 

Or  not  in  vain  the  sky  of  life  is  dark  with  clouds  of 
woe, 

While  all  its  misty  mountain-tops  arc  clad  in  track- 
less snow. 

The  light  shall  shine  out  brighter,  when  at  last  it 

flashes  through  ; 
And  evermore  the  old  shall  be  the  pathway  of  the 

new. 


TRUST.  73 


8T  r  n  b  t . 

44  In  quietness  and  confidence  shall  be  your  strength 


»i 


B 


E  quiet,  soul  : 
Why  shouldst  thou  care  and  sadness  borrow, 
Why  sit,  in  nameless  fear  and  sorrow, 

The  livelong  day  ? 
God  will  mark  out  thy  path  to-morrow 

In  His  best  way. 

Be  quiet,  soul : 
There  is  no  need  of  doubt  and  crying, 
There  is  no  need  for  anxious  sighing, 

God's  love  to  know  : 
Dost  thou  not  remember  His  dying, 

Who  loved  thee  so  ? 

Be  trustful,  soul : 
Each  day,  for  thee,  thy  Father  careth — 
Each  day,  in  sweet  compassion  shareth 

Thine  every  ill  : 
Even  thy  sin  for  thee  He  beareth, 

And  loves  thee  still. 

Be  trustful,  soul : 
When  some  dark  cloud  shuts  out  before  thee 
Light  that  hath  hitherto  shone  o'er  thee, 

Doubt  not,  nor  fear ; 
But  know  God  does  it  to  assure  thee 

That  He  is  near. 


74       "/  WILL  ABIDE  IN  THINE  HOUSE: 


Be  trustful,  soul  : 
Remember  God  forgets  thee  never — 
He  who  in  grace  stands  waiting  ever 

Thy  way  to  guide — 
Shall  surely  hold  thee,  soul,  forever 

Close  to  His  side. 


"  3  will  2Lbibe  in  ftljine  tjonsc.11 

AMONG  so  many,  can  He  care  ? 
Can  special  love  be  everywhere  ? 
A  myriad  homes — a  myriad  ways — 
And  God's  Eye  over  every  place. 

Over  ;  but  in  ?    The  world  is  full  ; 
A  high  Omnipotence  must  rule  ; 
But  is  there  Life  that  doth  abide 
With  mine  own  living,  side  by  side  ? 

So  many, — and  so  wide  abroad  ; 
Can  any  heart  have  all  of  God  ? 
From  the  great  spaces,  vague  and  dim, 
May  one  small  household  gather  Him  ? 

I  asked  :  my  soul  bethought  of  this  : 
In  just  that  very  place  of  His 
Where  He  hath  put  and  kecpeth  you, 
God  hath  no  other  thing  to  do  ! 


PASSING  BY.  75 


Passing  Sri. 

"And  they  told  him  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth  passed  by." 

OH,  rich  man,  from  your  happy  door, 
Seeing  the  old,  the  sick,  the  poor, 
Who  ask  for  nothing,  scarcely  weep, 
To  whom  even  heaven  means  only  sleep, 
While  you,  given  good  things  without  measure, 
Sometimes  can  hardly  sleep  for  pleasure, 
Let  not  the  blessed  moment  fly, 
Jesus  of  Nazareth  passes  by. 

Is  there  a  sinner,  tired  of  sin, 
Longing  a  new  life  to  begin  ? 
But  all  the  gates  of  help  are  shut, 
And  all  the  words  of  love  are  mute  ; 
Earth's  best  joys  sere,  like  burnt-up  grass, 
And  even  the  very  heavens  as  brass  ? 
Turn  not  away  so  pitilessly ; 
.   Jesus  of  Nazareth  passes  by. 

Self-hardened  man,  of  smooth,  bland  smile  ; 

Woman,  with  heart  like  desert  isle 

Set  in  the  sea  of  household  love, 

Whom  nothing  save  the  "  world  "  can  move^ 

At  your  white  lie,  your  sneering  speech, 

Your  backward  thrust  no  sword  can  reach, 

Look,  your  child  lifts  a  wandering  eye  : 

Jesus  of  Nazareth  passes  by. 

Oh,  all  ye  foolish  ones,  who  feel 
A  sudden  doubt,  like  piercing  steel, 


76  THE  DIFFERENCE. 

When  your  dead  hearts  within  you  burn, 
And  conscience  sighs,  "  Return,  return  ! " 
Why  let  ye  the  sweet  impulse  fleet, 
Love's  wave  wash  back  from  your  tired  feet, 
Knowing  not  Him  who  came  so  high  : 
Jesus  of  Nazareth  passing  by  ? 

He  must  not  pass.     Hold  Him  secure — 

In  likeness  of  His  humble  poor; 

Of  many  a  sick  soul,  sin-beguiled  ; 

In  innocent  face  of  little  child  : 

Clasp  Him — quite  certain  it  is  He — 

In  every  form  of  misery ; 

And  when  thou  meet'st  Him  up  on  high, 
Be  sure  He  will  not  pass  thee  by. 


®I)C  Difference. 

THINE  the  bearing  and  forbearing 
Through  the  patient  years  : 
Thine  the  loving,  and  the  moving 

Plea  of  sacred  tears  ; 
Thine  the  caring  and  the  wearing 

Of  my  pain  for  me  ; 
Thine  the  sharing  and  the  bearing 
Of  my  sin  on  Thee. 

Mine  the  leaving  and  the  grieving 

Of  Thy  mournful  eyes  ; 
Mine  the  fretting  and  forgetting 

Of  our  blood-bound  ties  ; 


"  HIS  COM  PA  SSIONS  FA  IL  NO  T"  77 


Mine  the  plaining  and  complaining, 

And  complaining  still  ; 
Mine  the  fearing  and  the  wearying 

Of  Thy  tender  Will. 

Mine  the  wrecking,  Thine  the  building 

Of  our  happiness — 
My  only  Saviour,  help  me  make 

The  dreadful  difference  less. 


"  £)is  Compassions  Sail  2Cot.11 

THE  farmer  chides  the  tardy  spring, 
The  sun  withholds  his  wonted  ray, 
The  days  are  dull  and  cold  and  gray, 
No  shadow  doth  the  maple  fling. 

From  snow-clad  peaks  and  icy  main 
The  north  wind  cometh  wet  and  chill, 
And  evermore  the  clouds  distill 

The  hoarded  treasure  of  the  rain. 

But  still,  oh,  miracle  of  good  ! 

The  crocus  springs,  the  violets  peep, 
The  straggling  vines  begin  to  creep, 

The  dandelion  gilds  the  sod. 

The  rain  may  fall  in  constant  showers, 
The  south  wind  tarry  on  its  way  ; 
But  through  the  night  and  through  the  da) 

Advance  the  summer's  fragrant  hours. 


78  "  IfIS  COMPASSIONS  FAIL  NOT." 


And  though  the  north  wind  force  him  back, 
The  song-bird  hurries  from  the  south 
With  summer's  music  in  his  mouth, 

And  studs  with  songs  his  airy  track. 

What  then,  my  soul,  if  thou  must  know 
Thy  days  of  darkness,  gloom  and  cold, 
If  joy  its  ruddy  beams  withhold, 

And  grief  compels  my  tears  to  flow  ? 

And  what  if,  when  with  bended  form 
I  praise  the  Lord  for  sorrows  past, 
There  ever  comes  a  fiercer  blast, 

And  darker  ruin  of  the  storm  ? 

As  tarry  not  the  flowers  of  June 
For  all  the  ill  the  heavens  can  do, 
And,  to  their  inmost  natures  true, 

The  birds  rejoice  in  sweetest  tune  ; 

So,  Father,  shall  it  be  with  me  ; 

And  whether  winds  blow  foul  or  fair, 
Through  want  and  woe,  and  toil  and  care, 

Still  will  I  struggle  up  to  Thee ; 

That,  though  my  winter  days  be  long, 
And  brighter  skies  refuse  to  come, 
My  life  no  less  may  sweetly  bloom, 

And  none  the  less  be  full  of  soncr. 


WORDS  OF  ETERNAL  LIFE.  79 


"SIjou  IjaGt  ilje  iBorbs  of  (Eternal  £ife." 

John. 

TO  whom,  O  blessed  Saviour,  can  we  go  ? 
But  to  the  human  Son  of  God ! 
We  are  perplexed,  bewildered  with  our  woe, 

And  looking  upwards  see  the  rod 
Of  Righteous  Justice  :  Saviour,  help,  we  pray, 
Be  Thou  our  friend.     Oh,  turn  not  Thou  away ! 

We  are  so  faint  and  sore,  and  every  bone 

Is  broken,  every  hope  is  gone, 
In  helpless  wretchedness  our  hearts  do  groan, 

And  cry  to  Thee  :  we  are  undone 
Without  Thine  aid :  O  Saviour,  help,  we  pray, 
Be  Thou  our.  friend.     Oh,  turn  not  Thou  away ! 

Our  hearts  go  backward  to  the  dreadful  day 
When  first  we  looked  upon  our  dead, 

Whose  lips  we  loved  so  well  were  turned  to  clay, 
And  all  the  tender  words  of  love  were  said 

For  the  last  time :  O  Saviour,  hear,  we  pray, 

Be  Thou  our  friend.     Oh,  turn  not  Thou  away  ! 

The  words  of  life  eternal,  Lord.     Thou  hast 

The  future  that  we  trembling  wait, 
The  weary  present  and  the  painful  past, 

The  sweet  and  bitter  of  our  fate 
Are  known  to  Thee  :  Then,  Saviour,  hear,  wc  pray. 
Be  Thou  our  friend.     Oh,  turn  not  Thou  away ! 

From  Thine  cxhaustless  fullness  grant  us  power 
Resignedly  to  take  the  gift 


8o  A  LESSOX. 


Of  blessing  or  of  pain,  in  every  hour, 

Content  to  do  Thy  will,  and  lift 
Our  smitten  hearts  to  Thee  :  Oh,  hear,  we  pray, 
Be  Thou  our  friend.     Oh,  turn  not  Thou  away ! 


w 


21   £  c  g  s  o  n . 

HILE  in  a  dark  valley 
I  was  sitting  apart, 


Lamenting  the  sorrows 
That  burden  the  heart, 

I  chanced,  looking  upward, 
A  star  to  behold, 

That  sparkled  with  brightness 
And  this  lesson  told  : 

Though  weary  and  wasting, 

Learn  wisdom  from  me ; 
Surrounded  by  darkness 

Contented  I  be : 
True,  constant,  and  cheerful 

Forever  I  shine, 
Sustained  and  enlivened 

By  an  impulse  divine. 

I  rose  from  the  valley 

Heroic  and  wise, 
Determined  to  conquer 

The  troubles  that  rise  ; 
With  hope  to  look  upward 

In  sorrow  and  pain, 
And  never  in  weakness 

To  falter  again. 


'THY  LA  IV."  81 


"£1)11    Cow." 

"Oh,  how  I  lore  Thy  law  !     It  is  my  meditation  all  the  day" 
"Christ  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law." 

HOW  can  we  say,  without  the  condemnation 
Of  our  own  hearts  accusing  us  of  wrong — 
"  I  love  Thy  law;  it  is  my  meditation 
The  whole  day  long  "  ? 

Thy  law  is  pure,  and  strict  to  mark  offenses ; 

And  we,  how  lightly  into  sin  we  fall ! 
By  trifles  tempted,  by  ungoverned  senses 
Still  held  in  thrall. 

The  soul  that  sinneth — so  Thy  law  declareth — 

Shall  surely  die ;  and  not  a  soul  is  born 
But  by  inheritance  of  human  nature  shareth 
The  doom  forlorn. 

Stern  law  and  sad  for  daily  meditation  ! 

Not  David's  love,  I  think,  had  long  endured, 
But  for  the  vision  of  an  expiation 
At  last  secured. 

With  eyes  anointed  he  beheld  Thy  coming, 

O  blessed  Christ,  and  through  the  ages  saw 
The  sinless  One  who,  all  our  sins  assuming, 

Fulfilled  the  law. 

Give  to  us  now,  who  in  these  later  ages 

Have  seen  the  shining  of  the  sacred  star; 
And  do  possess  the  joy  that  seers  and  sages 
Gazed  at  afar, — 
6 


82  "THY  LAW? 


Give  to  us,  Lord,  the  fervent  adoration 

For  love  and  justice  so  divinely  blent ; 
That  shall  inspire  our  daily  meditation 

With  deep  content. 

Not  always,  even  with  the  satisfaction 

Of  its  extreme  requirement  made  by  Thee, 
Can  our  weak  spirits  meet  the  law's  exaction 
And  penalty. 

There  is  so  much  that  baffles  comprehension, 

So  many  hours  are  darkened  with  strange  pain  ; 
And  earnest  effort  fails  of  its  intention, 

And  prayer  seems  vain. 

Too  often  in  the  shadow  of  our  sorrow 

We  murmur  at  the  love  that  sorrow  sends  : 
And  question  whether  any  fair  to-morrow 

Will  make  amends. 

Our  lives  are  full  of  cares  and  contradictions 

That  vex  our  souls,  their  need  misunderstood  ; 
And  God,  we  cry,  might  spare  us  these  afflictions 
That  yield  no  good. 

O  Holy  One,  whose  life  was  not  exempted 

From  any  grief  on  human  nature  laid ; 
Be  Thou  our  refuge  when  our  souls  are  tempted 
And  sore  dismayed. 

Thou  knowest  all  the  foes  that  do  torment  us, 

Convince  us  of  Thy  tender  sympathy  ; 
And  for  the  grace  that  surely  shall  prevent  us 

We  trust  in  Thee. 


AT  LAST.  83 

So  shall  our  hearts  grow  calm  in  faith  and  patience 
So  shall  our  anxious  prayers  be  turned  to  praise ; 
And  Love  Divine  make  sweet  our  meditations 
Through  all  the  days. 


&  t  £  a  s  t . 

I  ASKED  at  Thy  dear  hands  a  broader  field 
Wherein,  my  blessed  Lord,  to  toil  for  Thee ; 
My  grateful  heart  through  lofty  deeds  would  sing 
The  measure  of  its  love  and  loyalty. 

With  folded  hands  I  waited  the  response, 
Idle  while  others  toiled  at  noontide  heat, 

Bearing  the  burden  it  was  mine  to  bear, 
Binding  in  sweet  content  their  sheaves  of  wheat 

The  while  I  dreamed  of  tasks  I  would  achieve 
The  sun  dropped  slowly  down  the  western  sky ; 

The  hazy  twilight  deepened,  and  the  night, 

So  calm  and  hushed,  with  stealthy  steps  drew  nigh 

I  rise  at  last  and  join  the  harvesters, 

To  find  the  humblest  task  God  gives  me  sweet ; 
With  patient  hand  I'll  strive  for  His  dear  sake 

To  gather  a  few  scattered  ears  of  wheat. 

Oh,  slow  of  heart  to  learn  this  simple  truth — 
Thy  loyalty  and  love  Thou  may'st  attest 

By  little  deeds  within  a  narrow  sphere, 
Nor  vainly  roam  of  broader  fields  in  quest. 


84  THE  GOOD  FIGHT. 


I  CAME  and  saw,  and  hoped  to  conquer, 
As  the  great  Roman  once  had  done ; 
His  was  the  one  hour's  torrent  shock  of  battle , 
My  field  was  harder  to  be  won. 

I  came  and  saw,  but  did  not  conquer ; 

The  foes  were  fierce,  their  weapons  strong. 
I  came,  I  saw,  but  yet  I  did  not  conquer ; 

For  me  the  fight  was  sore  and  long. 

They  said  the  war  was  brief  and  easy — 
A  word,  a  look,  would  crush  the  throng. 

To  some  it  may  have  been  a  moment's  conflict ; 
To  me  it  has  been  sore  and  long. 

They  said  the  threats  were  coward  bluster ; 

To  brave  men  they  could  work  no  wrong ; 
So  some  may  boast  of  swift  and  easy  battle — 

To  me  it  has  been  sore  and  long. 

And  yet,  I  know  that  I  shall  conquer, 
Though  sore  and  hard  the  fight  may  be ; 

I  know,  I  know  I  shall  be  more  than  victor, 
Through  Him  who  won  the  fight  for  me. 

I  fight,  not  fearful  of  the  issue ; 

My  victory  is  sure  and  near ; 
Yet  not  the  less  with  hand  and  eye  all  watchful, 

Grasp  I  my  buckler  and  my  spear. 


IX  THE  FURXACE  OF  AFFLICTION.       S5 


For  I  must  fight,  if  I  would  conquer — 
Tis  not  by  flight  that  fields  are  won  ; 

And  I  must  conquer,  if  I  would  inherit 
The  victor's  joy  and  crown  and  throne. 


"  (Cl)oscn— In  tlje  furnace  of  Affliction/1 

HOW  long !  how  long !  the  furnace  fires  rage  high  ; 
Hath  God  forgotten  me,  as  here  I  lie  ? 
Is  there  no  silver — is  my  soul  all  dross, 
That  I  must  suffer  trial,  pain,  and  loss  ? 
Oh,  for  the  Master's  voice  !    Will  He  forsake  ? 
Here  in  the  fires  alone,  must  my  heart  break  ? 

Be  patient,  suffering  soul !     I  hear  thy  cry. 

The  trial  fires  may  glow,  but  I  am  nigh. 
I  see  the  silver,  and  I  will  refine 
Until  My  image  shall  upon  it  shine. 

Fear  not,  for  I  am  near,  thy  help  to  be ; 

Greater  than  all  thy  pain,  My  love  for  thee. 

Thy  love  for  me !     My  Lord,  is  this  the  place 

Where  I  may  see  the  shining  of  Thy  face  ? 
Here  may  I  learn  Thy  holy  will  to  know, 
And  into  Thy  dear  likeness  nearer  grow. 

Unto  this  blessedness,  may  I  aspire — 

To  glorify  Thee,  even  in  the  fire  ? 

Yes,  even  here  !     Oh,  suffering  one,  be  strong ! 

This  trial  of  thy  faith  may  not  be  long. 

Even  now,  thy  soul  submissive  to  My  will, 
Is  learning  how  to  trust  Me,  and  be  still. 


S6  SMALL   THINGS. 


My  everlasting  arms  do  thee  enfold. 
Precious  thou  art  to  Me,  as  most  fine  gold. 

I  hear  Thy  voice,  my  Lord.     I  fain  would  rest, 
Secure  in  all  my  weakness,  on  Thy  breast. 

But  even  now,  though  furnace  fires  burn  low, 
My  spirit  trembles  underneath  Thy  blow. 
Must  there  be  trial  still  ?     Is  there  no  sign — 
No  likeness  yet,  upon  this  heart  of  mine  ? 

The  silver  truly  may  reflect  My  face, 

Yet  must  I  fashion  it,  until  the  grace 
And  fair  perfection  of  its  form  I  see, 
As  chosen  vessel,  consecrate  to  Me. 

As  many  as  I  love,  I  thus  refine. 

Thou  shalt  be  fair  indeed,  for  thou  art  Mine. 

I  listen,  and  am  still.     I  doubt  no  more. 

All  quietly  I  rest — the  strife  is  o'er. 

Thy  chosen  one  !    Can  I  resist  Thy  will, 
Or  fear  to  follow  Thee,  through  joy  or  ill? 

I  may  not  understand  the  way  I  go, 

The  perfect  day  will  come — 

Then  I  shall  Jc7iow  I 


Small  ffiljings. 

DESPISE  not  thou  small  things  ; 
The  soul  that  longs  for  wings 
To  soar  to  some  great  height  of  sacrifice,  too  oft 
Forgets  the  daily  round, 
Where  little  cares  abound, 
And  shakes  of!  little  duties  while  she  looks  aloft. 


MANNA  IN  THE  NIGHT.  87 


God  has  set  some  below 

Who  must  their  all  forego, 
And  at  His  bidding  give  their  loved,  their  best. 

The  lot  of  some,  like  thine, 

Is  small  things  to  resign, 
Yet  if  thou  giv'st  that  little,  then  thou,  too,  art  blest. 

Thou  tread 'st  a  lowly  way, 

Be  willing  day  by  day 
To  give  up  little  comforts  at  God's  call ; 

That  thou  may'st  ready  be 

To  yield  up  cheerfully, 
When  He  shall  crave  thy  dearest  and  thine  all. 


iUanua  in  tlje  2ugl)t. 

SILENTLY  it  fell, 
Whence,  no  man  might  tell, 
Like  good  dreams  from  heaven 
Unto  mortals  given, 
Like  a  snowy  flock 
Of  strange  sea  birds  alighting  on  a  shore  of  rock  ; 
Silent  thus  and  bright, 
Fell  the  manna  in  the  night. 

Silent  thus  and  bright, 
In  our  starless  night, 
God's  sweet  mercy  comes 
All  about  our  homes  ; 
Whence  no  man  can  see, 
In  a  soft  shower  drifting,  drifting  ceaselessly, 
Till  the  morning  light, 
Falls  the  manna  in  the  night. 


88  EMPTY  IIAXDS. 


Thus  His  mercy's  crown, 
Bread  of  life  came  down, 
At  our  doors  it  fell, 
Whence,  no  man  might  tell, 
Silent  to  the  ground, 
Softly  shining  thus  through  the  darkness  all  around, 
Snowy,  pure,  and  white, 
Fell  the  manna  in  the  night. 


A 


(Omptn  £)cinbs. 

T  dawn  the  call  was  heard, 

And  busy  reapers  stirred 

Along  the  highway  leading  to  the  wheat. 

"  Wilt  reap  with  us  ?  "  they  said. 

I  smiled,  and  shook  my  head. 

"  Disturb  me  not,"  said  I ;  "  my  dreams  are  sweet." 

I  sat  with  folded  hands, 

And  saw  across  the  lands 
The  waiting  harvest  shining  on  the  hill  ; 

I  heard  the  reapers  sing 

Their  songs  of  harvesting, 
And  thought  to  go,  but  dreamed  and  waited  still. 

The  day  at  last  was  done, 
And  homeward,  one  by  one, 

The  reapers  went,  well  laden  as  they  passed  ; 
Theirs  was  no  misspent  day, 
No  long  hours  dreamed  away 

In  sloth,  that  turns  to  stinsj  the  soul  at  last. 


EMPTY  HANDS,  89 


A  reaper  lingered  near  ; 
"  What !  "  cried  he  ;  "  idle  here  ? 
Where  are   the   sheaves    your  hands    have   bound 
to-day  ?  " 

"  Alas  ! "  I  made  reply, 
"  I  let  the  day  pass  by, 
Until  too  late  to  work.     I  dreamed  the  hours  away.*1 

"  Oh,  foolish  one  !  "  he  said, 
And  sadly  shook  his  head, 

"  The  dreaming  soul  is  in  the  way  of  death. 
The  harvest  soon  is  o'er, 
Rouse  up,  and  dream  no  more  ! 

Act,  for  the  summer  fadeth  like  a  breath. 

"  What  if  the  Master  came 
To-night,  and  called  your  name, 
Asking  how  many  sheaves  your  hands  had  made  ! 
If  at  the  Lord's  commands 
You  showed  but  empty  hands, 
Condemned,  your  dreaming  soul  would  stand  dis 
mayed." 

Filled  with  strange  terror  then, 

Lest  chance  come  not  again, 
I  sought  the  wheat-fields  while  the  others  slept. 
"  Perhaps  ere  break  of  day, 

The  Lord  will  come  this  way," 
A  voice  kept  saying,  till,  with  grief,  I  wept. 

Through  all  the  long,  still  night, 
Among  the  wheat-fields  white, 
I  reaped  and  bound  the  sheaves  of  yellow  grain. 


90  MY  CUP  RUXNETH  OVER. 


I  dared  not  pause  to  rest, 
Such  fear  possessed  my  breast, 
So  for  my  dreams  I  paid  the  price  of  pain. 

But  when  the  morning  broke, 

And  rested  reapers  woke, 
My  heart  leaped  up  as  sunrise  kissed  the  lands, 

For  came  He  soon  or  late, 

The  Lord  of  the  estate 
Would  find  me  bearing  not  the  shame  of  empty  hands 


iitn  Qrnp  Bunnell)  (Dticr. 

WHEREFORE  drink  with  me,  friends  !    It  is  nc 
draught 
Of  red  intoxication  ;  at  its  brim 
No  vine-wreathed  head  of  Bacchus  ever  laughed — 
This  pilgrim-cup  of  mine,  now  worn  and  dim 
With  time's  rough  usage  ;  no  bright  bubbles  swim, 
Or  foam  beads  sparkle  over.     Have  ye  quaffed 
The  waters  clear  that  through  green  pastures  glide, 
Where  they  who  love  the  Shepherd  follow  Him  ? 
Brimmed  with  His  peace,  my  soul  is  satisfied  ; 
Cooled  are  my  feverish  fancies,  calmed  the  stir 
Of  dreams  whose  end  was  only  bitterness. 
Healed  at  this  fount  our  inmost  ail  would  be, 
Did  we  but  health  above  disease  prefer. 
My  cup  is  filled  at  wells  whose  blessedness 
A  world's  thirst  can  not  drain.  Friends,  drink  with  me. 


BAR  ABB  AS.  91 


<< 


Barabbas. 

BARABBAS,  in  his  prison  cell, 
Gazed  on  the  heavens  fair, 
And  saw  the  paschal  moon  ascend 

In  night's  empurpled  air. 
The  hours  crept  on  ;  with  awe  and  dread, 

He  waited  for  the  morn, 
He  heard  at  last  the  soldier's  tread. 
And  saw  the  bolt  withdrawn. 

Barabbas,"  so  the  soldier  spake, 
"  I  bring  thee  news  of  grace, 
For  Christ,  the  man  of  Nazareth, 

To-day  shall  take  thy  place. 
Without  the  gate  shall  Jesus  bear 

The  cross  prepared  for  thee  ; 
Go  thou  to  the  atoning  feast ! " 

The  man  of  crime  went  free. 

Barabbas  saw  the  darkened  earth 

When  came  the  hour  of  noon, 
And  slept  in  peace  when  Jesus  wept 

Beneath  the  paschal  moon. 
Oh,  man  of  sin  !  in  thee  I  see 

Myself  redeemed  by  grace  ; 
The  blood-stained  cross  that  rose  for  thee 

Took  every  sinner's  place. 


9  2  M  Y  MORXING  11 1  r.f/AT. 


iUn  'Horning  Qgmtt. 

"When  I  awake  I  am  still  with  Thee.'1'' — Psalm  cxxxix.  18. 

O  JESUS,  for  a  touch  divine 
To  rest  upon  this  frame  of  mine  ! 
As  now  I  lie,  an  empty  cup, 
With  vigorous  life,  oh,  fill  me  up  ! 

Touch  Thou  mine  eyes  that  I  may  see 
What  Thou  would 'st  have  me  do  and  be  ; 
Touch  Thou  my  lips,  my  feet,  my  hands, 
That  they  may  follow  Thy  commands. 

Touch  Thou  my  heart,  and  flaming  fire 
Shall  burst  and  blaze,  and  life  inspire, 
And  circle  round  my  home  below 
And  every  moment  brighter  glow  ; 

A  flame  to  lighten  like  the  sun, 
And  warm  and  cheer  me  while  I  run  ; 
To  do  Thy  will  through  all  the  day, 
In  even,  or  in  roughest  way : 

A  flame  to  purge  the  dross  of  sin 
That  chokes  and  cankers  all  within  ; 
Oh,  let  it  burn,  dear  Lord,  until 
The  gold  shall  Thy  desire  fulfill, 

And  on  its  molten  surface  all 
Can  see  Thy  image  clearly  fall, 
Reflecting  in  their  richest  grace 
All  the  sweet  beauties  of  Thy  face. 


BEYOND   THE  WALL.  93 


Jesus,  this  waking  hour  appear 

In  all  Thy  glory  with  me  here  ; 

And  make  this  first  glad  morning  ray 

A  benediction  for  the  day. 

•         •         •         •         *        •         •         •         • 

The  hour  with  God  was  passing  sweet, 
And  life  looked  bright  before  my  feet ; 
And  all  the  day,  as  on  I  moved, 
The  precious  Christ-touch  on  me  proved. 


HIS  ways  are  not  as  our  ways  ; 
Our  times  are  in  His  hand  ; 
Our  hours  fall  from  His  keeping 
As  fall  the  grains  of  sand. 

Moment  by  moment  falleth — 

Until  the  glass  is  run, 
And  not  a  grain  remaineth 

To  glimmer  in  the  sun. 

And  then, — oh,  joy  supernal ! 

Oh,  bliss  no  more  to  pass  ! — 
To  run  the  hours  eternal, 

His  hand  turns  back  the  glass  ! 


Snjoub  tfje  tOall. 

PHE  purple  clusters  of  the  fertile  vine 
-*■      In  their  rich  fullness  ripen  and  then  fall, 
Each  globe  a  cup,  holding  its  ruby  wine, 

Beyond  the  wall. 


94  BEYOND  THE  WALL. 


A  warm,  south  wind  dimples  the  waters  o'er 
Of  the  curved  bay.     I  hear  the  fisher  call 
Unto  his  lad  upon  the  quiet  shore, 

Beyond  the  wall. 

The  mountains  glimmering  in  the  distance  gray, 

Toss  rosy  plumes,  or  wear  an  ashen  pall 
Of  mourning,  when  the  sunlight  fades  away, 

Beyond  the  wall. 

Long  vistas  quiver  in  the  misty  light 

With  opal  tints,  o'er  which  the  shadows  fall ; 
Or  sunshine  laughs  to  see  so  fair  a  sight, 

Beyond  the  wall. 

Within  my  bars  a  single  beaten  track 

Leads  round  and  round ;  always  the  shadows  fall 
On  the  grim  path,  as  I  tread  forth  and  back, 
Within  the  wall. 

Unfrequent  roses  sickly  bud  and  bloom, 

The  mildewed  fruitage  hastens  to  its  fall, 
Nor  love  nor  beauty,  joy  nor  faith  find  room 

Within  the  wall. 

This  narrow  strip  of  earth  and  span  of  sky, 

Press  me  betwixt  them  like  a  bier  and  pall ; 
The  heavens  are  deaf,  although  to  God  I  cry, 

Within  the  wall. 

But,  lo !  the  barriers  crumble  'ncath  my  hand, 

When  I  in  anguish  rise  and  fate  forestall ; 
To  Him  who  wills,  as  by  Divine  command, 

There  is  no  wall ! 


HIS  JEWELS.  95 


lie  a b 2  . 

T  WOULD  be  ready,  Lord, 
J-     My  house  in  order  set, 
None  of  the  work  Thou  gavest  me 
To  do,  unfinished  yet. 

I  would  be  watching,  Lord, 

With  lamp  well  trimmed  and  clear, 
Quick  to  throw  open  wide  the  door 

What  time  Thou  drawest  near. 

I  would  be  waiting,  Lord, 

Because  I  can  not  know, 
If  in  the  night  or  morning  watch 

I  may  be  called  to  go. 

I  would  be  working,  Lord, 

Each  day,  each  hour,  for  Thee, 

Assured  that  thus  I  wait  Thee  well 
Whene'er  Thy  coming  be. 

I  would  be  living,  Lord, 

As  ever  in  Thine  eye  ; 
For  whoso  lives  the  nearest  Thee 

The  fittest  is  to  die. 


i]  i  s   3  c  xo  c  1  s  . 

"\  \  THEN  the  Lord  makes  up  His  jewels, 
*  V      Choosing  gems  of  every  hue, 


g6  BITTER-SWEET. 


Pearls  and  diamonds,  rubies,  sapphires, 
Showing  flawless  through  and  through. 

Could  1  be  the  least  among  them, 
Smallest  gem  that  love  could  see, 

And  His  eye  detect  the  brightness, 
That  would  be  enough  for  me. 

Precious  stones  arc  cut  and  polished 

By  the  lapidary's  skill, 
Cruel  knife  and  rasping  friction 

Work  on  each  the  Master's  will. 
Not  until  the  sparkling  facets 

With  an  equal  luster  glow, 
Does  the  artist  choose  a  setting 

For  the  gem  perfected  so, 

Thus  I  wait  the  royal  pleasure, 

And  when  trouble  comes  to  me 
Smile  to  think  He  may  be  working 

On  the  gem  though  small  it  be. 
All  I  ask  is  strength  to  bear  it, 

Faith  and  patience  to  be  still  ; 
Held  by  Him  no  knife  can  slay  me, 

Loving  Him,  no  anguish  kill. 


Uittcr-Gincct. 

LOVING  words  that  were  a  pleasure, 
Grown  to  be  a  pain, 
Echoing  back  through  memory's  chambers, 

Like  a  sad  refrain  ; 
Gentle  words  that  now  arc  laden 
With  the  griefs  of  years  ; 


THE  WAITING  ONES.  97 


Roses,  with  their  fragrant  petals 

Petrified  with  tears ; 
Summer  skies,  with  rain-drops  falling, 

Then  a  clouded  noon  ; 
Music,  once  of  sweetest  sounding, 

Now  gone  out  of  tune ; 
Hopes  that  once  rose  high  and  buoyant, 

Lying  cold  and  dead  ; 
Hearts  that  once  had  known  no  hunger, 

Crying  to  be  fed  ; 
Lives  that  once  were  all  harmonious, 

Into  discords  grown ; 
Seeds,  once  meant  for  richer  harvests, 

By  the  wayside  sown  ; 
Ashes  now,  where  firelight  flickered, 

With  its  cheerful  glow ; 
Lessons  learned,  whose  tearful  conning 

Only  God  can  know. 
But  He  knows,  and  all  life's  hunger — 

All  its  tears  and  pain — 
Are  a  part  of  His  great  teachings ; 

Nothing  comes  in  vain. 


®t)e  toaiting  ©ncs. 

THERE  are  some  among  the  blessed, 
Waiting,  watching  every  day, 
Peering  through  the  misty  shadows 

To  the  clear  and  lighted  way ; 
Listening  in  the  dusky  twilight, 
Waiting  even  in  the  night, 
7 


98  THE   WAITING  OXES. 


>> 


'Mid  the  toil  and  heat  of  noonday, 
Bending  forward  to  the  light. 

And  they  speak  in  eager  whispers, 

"  Can  we  see  His  chariot  yet  ?  " 
11  Will  the  Master  come  this  evening?" 

"  Will  the  heavenly  Friend  forget  ? 
So  they  stand,  these  earnest  servants, 

Waiting,  watching  evermore 
For  the  clouds  to  part  asunder, 

And  reveal  the  open  door. 


There  are  dark-browed  ones  among  them 

Looking  through  their  eyes  of  night ; 
There  are  fair-haired  little  children 

Peering  up  with  faces  bright ; 
There  are  aged  pilgrims,  longing 

For  the  Master's  spoken  word  ; 
There  are  some  in  every  country 

Waiting,  watching  for  the  Lord. 

But  they  take  their  daily  duties, 

And  perform  them  as  for  Him ; 
And  they  read  His  loving  message 

When  their  eyes  are  tired  and  dim. 
They  are  living  lives  of  blessing — 

Lives  of  love — for  His  dear  sake, 
While  they  wait  with  eager  longing 

For  the  morn  of  joy  to  break. 

He  will  come  and  will  not  tarry ; 

He  will  fold  them  to  His  breast; 
He  will  make  His  watchers  happy 

In  a  calm  and  holy  rest; 


FALLING  ASLEEP.  99 


He  will  give  them  satisfaction 
For  their  days  of  waiting  here, 

They  shall  come  to  full  fruition 
When  the  Master  shall  appear. 


falling  Glslccp. 

AH,  blessed,  restful  night ! 
That  stealthy  flies 
My  weary  eyes 
To  curtain  from  the  light ! 

Clad  in  thy  robe  of  gray ; 

Thy  beauteous  zone 

With  stars  bestrown, 
Is  better  than  the  day. 

Hail,  Queen  of  peaceful  sleep ! 

Mine  eyelids  close, 

In  soft  repose, 
My  tired  senses  steep. 

Thank  God,  the  merciful, 

The  darkness  comes 

Upon  our  homes, 
To  end  the  labor  dull. 

The  busy  care  must  cease, 

And  brain  and  nerve 

Refuse  to  serve 
Till  strength  shall  have  increase. 


IOO  CONTKXr. 


Even  the  trees  and  flowers 

Would  fail  to  grow, 

Did  they  not  know 
Some  respite  of  their  powers. 

May  God,  our  Father,  keep 

Body  and  soul 

In  His  control, 
While  in  the  arms  of  sleep ! 


Content. 

k  Godliness  with  contentment  is  great  gain,  having  promise  of  ths 
life  that  now  £r,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come/* 

CONTENT  that  God's  decree 
Should  order  all  for  thee. 
Content  with  sickness  or  with  health — 
Content  with  poverty  or  wealth — 
Content  to  walk  in  humble  guise, 
And  as  He  wills  it,  sink  or  rise. 

Content  to  live  alone 

And  call  no  place  thine  own. 

No  sweet  re-unions  day  by  day, 

Thy  kindred  spirits  far  away. 

And  since  God  wills  to  have  it  so, 

Thou  wouldst  not  change  for  weal  or  woe. 

Content  that  others  rise 

Before  thy  very  eyes. 

How  bright  their  lot  and  portion  here! 

Wealth  fills  their  coffers — friends  arc  near. 


GUIDE  US   TO- DAY.  ioi 


Behold  their  mansions  tall  and  fair  I 
The  timbrel  and  the  dance  are  there. 

Content  to  toil  or  rest, 

God's  peace  within  thy  breast — 

To  feel  thy  times  are  in  His  hand 

Who  holds  all  worlds  in  His  command— 

Thy  time  to  laugh — thy  time  to  sigh — 

Thy  time  to  live — thy  time  to  die. 

And  is  it  so,  indeed, 
Thou  art  with  God  agreed  ? 
Content  'mid  all  the  ills  of  life  ? 
Farewell,  then,  sorrow,  pain,  and  strife ! 
Such  high  content  is  heaven  begun. 
The  battle's  fought,  the  victory  won  ! 


(Snibe  Its  Qlo-uiaj). 

GUIDE  us  to-day,  O  loving  Care, 
Shielding  our  dangerous  way. 
The  white  mist  binds  the  sky  o'erhead, 
The  gulf  beside  is  deep  and  dread, 
Our  course  a  maze,  our  path  a  thread. 
Guide  us,  Love's  dearest  care  ; 
Guide  us  this  day. 

Guide  us  to-day,  sweet  soul  of  Peace, 
Making  men's  hearts  obey. 
Our  naked  breasts  bleed  at  a  wound, 
Oppression  bows  us  to  the  ground, 
Our  hearts  faint  at  a  cruel  sound. 


102  LIFE  LESSONS. 


Kind,  calm,  consoling  Peace, 
Guide  us  this  day. 

Guide  us  to-day,  O  tender  Grace, 
From  zenith,  shadows  stray ; 
A  sad,  deep  murmur  haunts  the  sea; 
The  summer  withers  ;  and  the  free, 
Fresh  wind  has  sighs  of  mystery. 
Guide  us,  O  tender  Grace  ; 
Guide  us  to-day. 

Guide  us,  Love,  Peace,  and  Grace ! 
Guide  us,  divinest  Light ! 
Through  all  our  work  and  care  and  woe, 
Through  all  the  dizzy  joys  we  know, 
Through  that  "  Dark  Valley  "  where  we  go, 
Guide  us,  Love's  dearest  light, 
To-day,  to-night. 


£ife   £csGons. 

WHO  loses  self  in  brotherhood, 
Forth-giving  ever  gathers  good  ; 
And  who  for  truth  or  right  would  die, 
In  falling  gains  the  victory. 

The  spirit  wrought  to  noble  aim, 
The  thought  that  sets  the  mind  aflame, 
The  faith  that  wins  in  deadly  fight — 
Forgetting  self,  have  greatest  might. 

So  wisdom  centers  at  the  heart 
Like  subtle  sense  that  every  part 


MY  THANKSGIVING.  103 


Moves  unpcrceivcd  in  perfect  health ; 
And  knowledge  thrives  in  larger  wealth. 

But  chiefest  to  the  soul  perplext — 
By  doubt  or  wayward  evil  vext — 
Oppressed  with  woes  or  worn  with  strife, 
This  whisper  opes  the  gates  of  life : 

Not  what  thou  art,  but  what  He  is 
In  whom  thou  livest,  makes  thy  bliss; 
Count  self  and  all  its  searching  loss 
Before  this  wisdom  of  the  Cross. 


jSttg  (Eljanksgimng. 

A  T  7TIILE  through  the  land  the  faithful  and  believ 
W  ing 

In  grateful  suppliance  bow, 
And  all  the  air  is  vocal  with  thanksgiving, 
My  soul,  what  givest  thou  ? 

Oh,  looking  in  remembrance  down  the  reaches 

Of  years  my  feet  have  trod, 
Not  one  hath  lack,  not  one  but  surely  teaches 

The  providence  of  God. 

Still  hath  the  manna  gathered  ere  my  fasting, 
And  still  the  stream  hath  gushed 

From  desert-rock,  at  whose  delightful  tasting 
My  murmurs  have  been  hushed. 


104    WHO  SHALL  ROLL  A  IV A  Y  TLLE  STONE? 


Aye  !  not  alone  the  wants  this  life  inherits 

Have  been  to  me  supplied, 
For  higher  needs,  through  Christ's  uncounted  merits, 

Have  been  well  satisfied. 

Of  this  fair  earth  I  own  no  teeming  acre  ; 

Yet  am  I  often  led 
In  fields  of  peace,  and  made  to  be  partaker 

Of  heavenly  good  instead. 

Through  vales  where  falls  the  sunlight  of  God's  glory 

In  tender  mood  I  roam ; 
Or  from  the  mount  of  promise  read  the  story 

Of  love  and  rest  and  home. 

No  mansion  fair  is  mine ;  yet  is  my  dwelling 

All  beautiful  and  wide, 
And  joy  within  my  heart  is  ever  swelling 

Since  I  with  Christ  abide. 

And  so,  though  I  possess  no  crowded  coffer, 

Content,  best  wealth,  is  mine  ; 
And  my  thanksgiving,  Lord,  to  Thee  I  offer 

For  riches  so  divine. 


"toljo  sljall  Koll  GVroan  tl)c  Stone?" 

Mark  xlv.  3,  4. 

THAT  which  weeping  ones  were  saying 
Eighteen  hundred  years  ago, 
We,  the  same  weak  faith  betraying, 
Say  in  our  sad  hours  of  woe. 


WHO  SHALL  ROLL  A  WA  Y  THE  STOXF.f  105 


Looking  at  some  trouble  lying 
In  the  dark  and  dread  unknown, 

We,  too,  often  ask  with  sighing : 
"  Who  shall  roll  away  the  stone  ?  " 

Thus  with  care  our  spirits  crushing, 

When  they  might  from  care  be  free, 
And,  in  joyous  song  out-gushing, 

Rise  in  rapture,  Lord,  to  Thee. 
For,  before  the  day  was  ended, 

Oft  we've  had  with  joy  to  own, 
Angels  have  from  heav'n  descended, 

And  have  rolled  away  the  stone. 

Many  a  storm-cloud  sweeping  o'er  us 

Never  pours  on  us  its  rain  ; 
Many  a  grief  we  see  before  us 

Never  comes  to  cause  us  pain. 
Ofttimes  in  the  feared  "to-morrow" 

Sunshine  comes — the  cloud  has  flown  ! 
Ask  not  then  in  foolish  sorrow : 

u  Who  shall  roll  away  the  stone  ?  " 

Burden  not  thy  soul  with  sadness ; 

Make  a  wiser,  better  choice  ; 
Drink  the  wine  of  life  with  gladness  ; 

God  doth  bid  the  man  :  "  Rejoice  ! " 
In  to-day's  bright  sunlight  basking 

Leave  to-morrow's  cares  alone  ; 
Spoil  not  present  joys  by  asking : 

11  Who  shall  roll  away  the  stone  ?  " 


r  06  PRA  YER  A  GAINST  DO  US  T. 


£l)e  (Crn  of  tljc  il3carn. 


o 


LIGHT  of  light,  shine  in  ! 

Cast  out  this  night  of  sin ; 
Create  true  day  within  ; 
O  Light  of  light,  shine  in ! 


O  Joy  of  joys,  come  in  ! 
End  Thou  this  grief  of  sin  ; 

Create  calm  peace  within  ; 

O  Joy  of  joys,  come  in  ! 

O  Life  of  life,  pour  in ! 
Expel  this  death  of  sin  ; 

Awake  true  life  within  ; 

O  Life  of  life,  pour  in  ! 

O  Love  of  love,  flow  in  ! 
This  hateful  root  of  sin 

Pluck  up,  destroy  within  ; 

O  Love  of  love,  flow  in  ! 

O  Heaven  of  heavens,  descend  ! 
This  cloudy  curtain  rend, 

And  all  earth's  turmoil  end ! 

O  Heaven  of  heavens,  descend  ! 


L 


grayer  Against  Doubt. 

""Lordy  I  believe^  help  thou  mine  unbelief." — Mark  ix.  24. 

ORD,  take  away  my  doubts,  the  deepest  source 
Of  all  upspringing  restlessness  and  strife. 


THE  TREE  GOD  PLANTS.  107 


I  would  not  doubt  God  rules  with  tender  force 

The  tidal  waves  that  toss  man's  fragile  life 
That  seems  near  wrecking  on  a  dangerous  reef ; 
Lord,  I  believe,  help  Thou  mine  unbelief. 

I  would  not  doubt ;  God  hears  and  answers  prayer, 
Though  strong  men,  good  and  wise,  are  borne  away, 

And  they  live  on  whose  lives  we  well  could  spare, 
Bringing  to  us,  and  to  themselves,  each  day 

An  added  weight  to  an  o'erburdened  grief ; 

Lord,  I  believe,  help  Thou  mine  unbelief. 

I  would  not  doubt ;  God  bends  a  watchful  eye, 
And  looks  with  pity  on  man's  sufferings  ; 

That  His  quick  ear  notes  the  unnoticed  sigh  ; 
Or  that  His  flail  of  tribulation  brings 

Good  grains  of  wheat  from  sorrow's  well-filled  sheaf, 

Lord,  I  believe,  help  Thou  mine  unbelief. 

Oh,  question  not  the  cause  of  good  or  ill, 
For  querulous  distrust  brings  danger  near ; 

But  hush  thy  heart,  and  lose  thy  restless  will 
In  that  all-perfect  love  that  casts  out  fear ; 

Still  urging  this,  of  all  thy  prayers  the  chief, 

Lord,  I  believe,  help  Thou  mine  unbelief. 


ffiljc  ®ree  ©ob  plants. 

HPHE  wind  that  blows  can  never  kill 
-*-  The  tree  God  plants  ; 

It  bloweth  east,  it  bloweth  west, 
The  tender  leaves  have  little  rest, 
But  any  wind  that  blows  is  best. 


lo8  THE   TREE  GOD  PLANTS. 


The  tree  God  plants 
Strikes  deeper  root,  grows  higher  still, 
Spreads  wider  boughs,  for  God's  good-will 

Meets  all  its  wants. 

There  is  no  frost  hath  power  to  blight 

The  tree  God  shields  ; 
The  roots  are  warm  beneath  soft  snows, 
And  when  spring  comes  it  surely  knows, 
And  every  bud  to  blossom  grows. 

The  tree  God  shields 
Grows  on  apace  by  day  and  night, 
Till  sweet  to  taste  and  fair  to  sight, 

Its  fruit  it  yields. 

There  is  no  storm  hath  power  to  blast 

The  tree  God  knows  ; 
No  thunderbolt,  nor  beating  rain, 
Nor  lightning  flash,  nor  hurricane — 
When  they  are  spent  it  doth  remain. 

The  tree  God  knows 
Through  every  tempest  standeth  fast, 
And  from  its  first  day  to  its  last, 

Still  fairer  grows. 

If  in  the  soul's  still  garden-place 

A  seed  God  sows — 
A  little  seed — it  soon  will  grow, 
And  far  and  near  all  men  will  know 
For  heavenly  lands  He  bids  it  blow. 

A  seed  God  sows, 
And  up  it  springs  by  day  and  night ; 
Through  life,  through  death  it  groweth  right, 

Forever  grows. 


IVIIA  TSOEVER."  109 


<< 


"  tUljatsocucr." 

Matt.  xxi.  22.    John  xv.  7. 

I  HUNGERED  for  the  living  bread, 
I  opened  where  the  feast  was  spread  ; 
And,  hungering  more  and  thirsting  still, 
I  grasped  the  "  Whosoever  will." 

My  heart  exulted,  for  my  name 
Could  "  Whosoever  "  surely  claim  ; 
And  following  where  the  leading  drew, 
It  touched  the  "  Whatsoever  "  too. 

Ask  what  ye  will !  "     I  knelt  and  wept, 
My  heart  a  burden  long  had  kept, 
And  for  my  want  so  deep  and  sore, 
Pleaded  the  promise  o'er  and  o'er. 


"  Ask  what  ye  will."     Alas,  for  this  ! 
I  pleaded  but  to  ask  amiss  : 
A  gift  I  craved  for  self  to  take, 
Nor  asked  it  all  for  Jesus'  sake. 

"  Ask,  and,  believing,  ye  receive." 
Alas  !  I  did  but  half  believe  ; 
For  doubt  was  whispering  to  my  heart 
With  treach'rous  and  subversive  art : 

"  If  ye  shall  in  my  love  abide 
Your  asking  ne'er  shall  be  denied." 
I  looked  into  my  soul  to  see 
If  so  His  words  did  bide  in  me. 


tio  THE  REFINER. 


Alas  !  and  thrice  alas  !  I  saw- 
Self  warring  there  with  love's  sweet  law ; 
For  while  I  asked  for  heaven  within, 
My  bosom  hid  a  secret  sin. 

"  Ask  what  ye  will,  but  ask  Him,  still, 
Wait  gladly  on  the  Father's  will ; 
Then  shall  thy  ■  Whatsoever  '  be 
But  His  best  chosen  gifts  for  thee." 

Dear  Lord,  I  can  not  rightly  plead, 
Save  as  Thou  dost  my  asking  lead  ; 
Nor  even  reach  Thy  gifts  to  take, 
But  as  Thou  giv'st  for  Jesus'  sake. 


®l]  e  il  £  ft  net . 

*HHIS  swreet  to  think  that  He  who  tries 

J-      The  silver,  takes  His  seat 
Beside  the  fire  which  purifies, 

Lest  too  intense  a  heat, 
Raised  to  consume  the  base  alloy, 
The  precious  metal,  too,  destroy. 

'Tis  good  to  think  how  well  He  knows 

The  silver's  power  to  bear 
The  ordeal  through  which  it  goes  ; 

And  that  with  skill  and  care 
He'll  take  it  from  the  fire  wrhen  fit, 
With  His  own  hands  to  polish  it. 

'Tis  blessedness  to  know  that  He 
The  piece  He  has  begun 


/,   TOO,  HA  VE  SUFFERED  1 1 1 


Will  not  forsake  till  He  can  see 

The  gracious  work  well  done — 
An  image  by  its  brightness  shown, 
The  perfect  likeness  of  His  own. 

But,  ah  !  how  much  of  earthly  mold, 

Dark  relics  of  the  mine, 
Lost  from  the  ore,  must  He  behold  ! 

How  long  must  He  refine, 
Ere,  in  the  silver,  He  can  trace 
The  faint  resemblance  of  His  face  ! 

Thou  great  Refiner  !  sit  Thou  by 

Thy  purpose  to  fulfill ; 
Moved  by  Thine  hand,  beneath  Thine  eye, 

And  melted  at  Thy  will. 
Oh  !  may  Thy  work  forever  shine, 
Reflecting  beauty  pure  as  Thine. 


3,  too,  l)avc  Suffered. 


i 


9  TOO,  have  suffered,  yet  I  know 
God's  way  is  best ; 
And  I  am  blest, 
Since  He  sees  fit  to  have  it  so. 

My  heart  was  wrung  with  keenest  pain  ; 

But  in  my  grief 

God  gave  relief ; 
I  found  in  loss  my  richest  gain. 


112  AT  THE  CROSS. 


My  heart  grew  weary,  faint,  and  sad  ; 

God  gave  me  grace 

For  every  place, 
And  I  grew  strong  and  almost  glad. 

My  friends  grew  cold.     I  was  alone  ; 
Then  God  drew  near, 
Dispelled  each  fear, 

And  counted  me  among  His  own. 

The  path  of  life  seemed  very  long ; 

God  is  my  guide, 

And  by  my  side 
Walks  one  whose  arm  is  very  strong. 

God's  way  is  best.     His  will  be  done, 

His  will  divine 

Be  ever  mine, 
Until  my  crown  of  life  is  won. 


Qtt  tl)C  (ffross. 

BEFORE  Thy  cross,  dear  Lord,  I  fall ; 
Out  of  the  depths  to  Thee  I  call, 
O  Friend  and  Helper,  one  and  all ! 

Oh,  dearest  Lord,  Thy  tender  eye 
Rebukes,  yet  pities  my  lone  cry, 
When  staggering  'neath  my  cross  I  lie. 


"  WE  II A  VE  FOUND  II IM."  1 13 


Poor  human  heart,  with  human  needs, 
How  many  are  its  broken  reeds, 
Grasped  till  the  hand  in  torture  bleeds ! 

How  many  gourds  have  felt  the  blight ! 
How  many  stars  have  lost  their  light ! 
How  many  suns  gone  down  in  night ! 

All,  all  are  gone  like  barks  at  sea, 
Lost  in  the  dread  immensity ; 
And  now  I  stand  alone  with  Thee. 

All  prostrate  at  Thy  cross  I  kneel, 
For  Thou  canst  all  our  sorrows  feel, 
And  Thy  dear  hand  our  wounds  can  heal. 

No  more  I  mark  the  dreary  road 

My  bleeding  feet  so  long  have  trod, — 

Content  to  be  alone  with  God. 


"  iDc  l)ave  fonnb  fjim." 

\  1  TE  have  found  Him" — sign  of  mercy 

*  V       To  the  trembling  sinner  made  ; 
As  the  Babe  we  first  beheld  Him, 

Lowly  in  a  manger  laid. 
Well  may  angels  gaze  adoring, 

But  a  Child  is  born  for  me, 
Unto  us  a  Son  is  given ; 

Fellow-sinners,  come  and  see. 

— Isaiah  ix.  6. 

8 


1 14  "  WE  II A  VE  FOUND  IIIMr 


"  We  have  found  Him" — in  the  temple, 

As  becomes  the  Holy  Child, 
In  the  midst  of  Jewish  doctors, 

Questioning  in  accents  mild. 
Well  may  they,  in  deep  amazement, 

Ponder  who  this  Child  can  be — 
Strong  in  spirit,  filled  with  wisdom  ; 

Fellow-sinners,  come  and  see. 

— Luke  ii.  26-30,  40-47. 

"  We  have  found  Him" — in  the  water, 

Coming  unto  Jordan's  wave, 
Taking  thus  a  place  among  them 

Whom  He  came  to  seek  and  save. 
Well  may  John  inquire  in  wonder : 

"  Lord,  why  comest  Thou  to  me  ?  " 
Lo  !  the  very  heavens  open  ; 

Fellow-sinners,  come  and  see. 

— Luke  iii.  21,  22. 

"  We  have  found  Him  " — in  the  desert, 

Fasting  lonely,  tempted,  weak  ; 
As  the  Son  of  man,  we  hear  Him 

With  the  subtle  tempter  speak. 
Well  may  Satan,  thrice  defeated, 

From  the  second  Adam  flee — 
Jesus  answers  :  "  It  is  written  ; " 

Fellow-sinners,  come  and  see. 

— Matthew  iv. 

"  We  have  found  Him  " — by  the  way-side, 
Seated,  weary,  at  the  well, 
That  to  her  who  came  for  water 
He  might  God's  salvation  tell. 


"  WE  II A  VE  FOUND  HIM."  115 


Well  may  she,  in  eager  gladness, 
Haste  to  urge  her  earnest  plea, 

Is  not  this  the  Christ,  my  Saviour? — 
Fellow-sinners,  come  and  see. 

— John  iv.  4-12. 

We  have  found  Him  " — in  the  garden  ; 

Tread  we  here  with  unshod  feet ; 
For  the  very  ground  is  holy, 

Tis  a  blood-stained  mercy-seat. 
Earth  no  longer  hath  its  Eden, 

But  in  sad  Gethsemane 
Man  may  find  the  gate  to  heaven ; 

Fellow-sinners,  come  and  see. 

— Luke  xxii.  1. 

"  We  have  found  Him" — God  incarnate  ! 

From  the  manger  to  the  Cross, 
Through  a  world  of  sin  and  sadness ; 

Bearing  shame,  reproach,  and  loss ; 
Ever  loving,  serving,  healing, 

Till  they  nailed  Thee  to  the  tree, 
Thee,  the  Lamb  of  God's  providing; 

Fellow-sinners,  come  and  see. 

— John  i.  29. 

"  We  have  found  Him  " — He  is  risen  ! 

Mary  clasps  His  pierced  feet ; 
And  disciples,  as  they  journey, 

Find  His  words  exceeding  sweet. 
Forty  days  the  faithful  Shepherd 

With  His  scattered  flock  will  be, 
Comforting,  restoring,  teaching ; 

Fellow-sinners,  come  and  see. 

—John  xx. 


u6 


THE  LORD  OUR  HELPER. 


"  We  have  found  Him" — in  the  glory 

Of  the  Majesty  on  high  ; 
Looking  steadfastly  to  heaven, 

Faith  may  still  behold  Him  nigh, 
Where  the  blood  of  sprinkling  speaketh 

On  the  mercy-seat  for  me, 
There  it  is  I  find  my  Saviour; 

Fellow-sinners,  come  and  see. 

—Acts  vii.  55,  56 ;  Heb.  ii.  9 ;  Ex.  xxv.  17-22 ;  Heb.  iv.  14,  16 ;  x.  12- 

21 ;    John  xiv.  6. 


QLl)c  £orb  our  fjclpcr. 

JESUS,  I  need  Thy  strength, 
I  am  so  frail,  so  weak ; 
Oh,  listen  to  my  prayer, 
And  grant  the  help  I  seek ! 

I  can  not  stand  alone, 
I  can  not  walk  aright, 

Unless  Thou  hold  my  hand 
And  aid  me  with  Thy  might. 


Oh,  guard  me  with  Thine  arm 

In  peril  or  in  pain, 
And  when  temptation  tries, 

O  Lord,  do  Thou  sustain. 


Help  me  in  all  things,  Lord, 

Gentle  and  kind  to  be, 
And  let  me  grow  each  day 

More  and  still  more  like  Thee. 


PRECIO  US  A  ND  h  ORE  VER.  1 1  7 


Oh,  make  me  patient,  Lord — 

Patient  in  daily  cares ; 
Keep  me  from  thoughtless  words 

That  slip  out  unawares. 

And  help  me,  Lord,  I  pray, 
Still  nearer  Thee  to  live  ; 

And  as  I  journey  on, 

More  of  Thy  presence  give. 


Precious  antr  forever. 


Precious  Faith. 

2  Pet.  i.  i. 

Life. 

Precious  Blood. 

i  Pet.  i.  19. 

Rest. 

Precious  Promises. 

2  Pet.  i.  4. 

Wealth. 

He  is  Precious. 

1  Pet.  ii.  7. 

Joy- 

J 


ESUS, 

Sweetly  looking  unto  Thee  ; 
This  is  precious  faith  to  me  ; 

This  is  life  indeed, 
O  Jesus, 

Precious  and  forever. 
Singing,  toiling  through  the  night, 

Help  me,  lead  me  ever; 
Till  my  faith  is  lost  in  sight, 

Precious  and  forever. 

Jesus, 
Rest  I  in  the  cleansing  flood 
Of  Thy  ever-precious  blood  ; 
This  is  rest  indeed, 

O  Jesus, 


Il8  THE  PLACE  OF  MERCY. 


Precious  and  forever. 
Peace  of  God,  what  peace  like  this, 

Calm  as  Eden's  river ; 
Fortaste  of  the  heavenly  bliss, 

Precious  and  forever. 

Jesus, 
All  with  Thee  I  now  possess 
In  Thy  precious  promises; 

This  is  wealth  indeed, 
O  Jesus, 

Precious  and  forever. 
What  are  earthly  charms  to  me  ? 

They  shall  lure  me  never ! 
All  I  want  I  find  in  Thee, 

Precious  and  forever. 

Jesus, 
Sweetly  singing  o'er  and  o'er 
Precious  Jesus,  evermore ; 

This  is  joy  indeed, 
O  Jesus, 

Precious  and  forever. 
Nearer,  all  my  heart  to  fill, 

O  Thou  glorious  giver; 
Nearer,  dearer,  sweeter  still, 

Precious  and  forever. 


®I)C  place  of  illcrcji. 

THERE  is  a  spot  to  me  more  dear 
Than  native  vale  or  mountain ; 


THE  PLACE  OF  MERCY.  119 


A  spot  for  which  affection's  tear 
Springs  grateful  from  its  fountain  : 

'Tis  not  where  kindred  souls  abound, 
Though  that  were  almost  heaven ; 

But  where  I  first  my  Saviour  found, 
And  felt  my  sins  forgiven. 

Hard  was  my  toil  to  reach  the  shore, 

Long  tossed  upon  the  ocean  ; 
Above  me  was  the  thunder's  roar, 

Beneath  the  wave's  commotion, 
Darkly  the  pall  of  night  was  thrown 

Around  me,  faint  with  terror; 
[n  that  dark  hour  how  did  my  groan 

Ascend  for  years  of  error. 

Sinking  and  panting  as  for  breath, 

I  knew  not  hope  was  near  me ; 
I  cried,  oh,  save  me,  Lord,  from  death ! 

Immortal  Jesus,  hear  me  ! 
Then  quick  as  thought  I  felt  Him  mine; 

My  Saviour  stood  before  me  : 
I  saw  His  brightness  round  me  shine, 

And  shouted  glory !  glory ! 

Oh,  sacred  hour,  oh,  hallowed  spot, 

Where  love  divine  first  found  me ! 
Wherever  falls  my  distant  lot, 

My  heart  will  linger  round  Thee ; 
And  when  from  earth  I  rise  to  soar 

Up  to  my  home  in  heaven, 
Down  will  I  cast  my  eyes  once  more 

Where  I  was  first  forgiven. 


120  DIVINE  PEACE. 


D  i  tn  n  c   JJcacc. 

PEACE  upon  peace,  like  wave  on  wave, 
This  the  portion  that  I  crave  ; 
The  peace  of  God  which  passeth  thought, 
The  peace  of  Christ  which  changeth  not. 

Peace  like  the  river's  gentle  flow, 
Peace  like  the  morning's  silent  glow, 

From  day  to  day,  in  love  supplied, 

An  endless  and  unebbing  tide. 

Peace  flowing  on,  without  decrease, 
From  Him  who  is  our  joy  and  peace, 
Who,  by  His  reconciling  blood, 
Hath  made  the  sinner's  peace  with  God. 

Peace  through  the  night  and  through  the  day, 
Peace  through  all  windings  of  our  way, 

In  pain  and  toil  and  weariness, 

A  deep  and  everlasting  peace. 

O  King  of  peace,  this  peace  bestow 

Upon  a  stranger  here  below ; 

O  God  of  peace,  Thy  peace  impart 
To  every  troubled,  trembling  heart. 

Peace  from  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
Peace  from  the  Spirit,  all  His  own ; 

Peace  that  shall  never  more  be  lost, 
Of  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 


FULFILLED.  121 


-fnlfillcb. 

LJ ARK  was  the  night ; 
Tossed  into  fury  waves  were  rolling  high  ; 

No  light 
Of  moon  or  star  within  the  midnight  sky. 
God  spoke,  the  mariner  to  cheer, 

"  Lo,  I  am  here, 
And  I  will  guide  thee  ever  with  mine  eye. 


>» 


A  scorching  sun 
Blazed  overhead,  the  sand  was  hot  beneath  ; 

And  one 
Walked  o'er  the  desert,  breathed  its  fiery  breath, 
But  hark  !  the  pilgrim  soul  to  cheer, 

"  Lo,  I  am  here, 
And  I  will  be  thy  shade,"  Jehovah  saith. 

The  battle  raged 
Around,  before,  behind,  on  every  side  ; 

Fierce  waged 
The  conflict  was,  deep  ran  the  crimson  tide ; 
God  spoke,  the  soldier's  heart  to  cheer, 

"  Lo,  I  am  here, 
And  I  will  be  thy  buckler  true  and  tried." 

A  crushing  load 
Was  given  to  a  human  heart  to  bear ; 

The  road 
Was  rugged,  and  the  very  fields  were  bare  ; 
God  spoke,  the  troubled  one  to  cheer, 

"  Lo,  I  am  here, 
This  heavy  burden  I  will  help  thee  bear." 


122  "  BE  NOT  AFRAID." 


Unpardoned  sin 
Kept  in  a  wild  turmoil  an  anxious  breast ; 

Within, 
As  yet,  had  entered  not  the  Heavenly  Guest ; 
God  spoke,  the  weary  one  to  cheer, 

"  Lo,  I  am  here, 
Come  unto  me  and  I  will  give  you  rest." 


"  Be  Not  afroib." 

HE  not  afraid,"  I  seem  to  hear 
U     The  loving  Saviour  say  ; 
My  love  can  still  the  tossing  waves 
That  fret  thee  on  thy  way. 
Look  up  to  Me  : 
I'll  send  to  thee 
My  love  for  aye  and  aye. 

u  Be  not  afraid,"  for  thou  art  Mine. 
My  sheep  I  ne'er  forsake  ; 
But  bring  them  to  the  living  springs, 
So  they  may  grace  partake. 
My  life  I  gave 
For  thee,  to  save, 
So,  heart,  good  courage  take. 


«< 


Be  not  afraid,"  I've  done  it  all ; 

'Twas  finished  when  I  died. 
Thou  canst  not  touch  Me,  but  I  am 
Forever  at  thy  side. 

Still  cling  to  Me  ; 

I'll  comfort  thee, 

And  calm  life's  troubled  tide. 


TK  US  TING  IN  HIM.  1 2  3 


u  Be  not  afraid,"  My  hand  shall  guide 
Thy  feet  in  pleasant  ways. 
My  love  will  cheer  thee,  doubting  heart, 
And  warm  thee  with  its  rays. 
Oh,  heart !  entwine 
Thy  love  in  Mine, 
And  peace  will  fold  thy  ways. 


1 


trusting  in  £)im. 

COME,  I  rest  beneath 
The  shadow  of  His  wing, 

That  I  may  know 

How  good  it  is 

Here  to  abide  ; 
How  safe  its  sheltering  ! 


I  lean  against  the  cross 
When  fainting  by  the  way  ; 
It  bears  my  weight, 
It  holds  me  up, 
It  cheers  my  soul, 
It  turns  my  night  to  day  ! 

I  clasp  the  outstretched  hand 
Of  my  delivering  Lord  ; 
Unto  His  arm 
I  lean  myself — 
His  arm  divine — 
It  doth  me  help  afford  ! 


124  MY  LORD'S  CHOICE. 


I  hear  the  gracious  words 
He  speaketh  to  my  soul  ! 
They  whisper  rest, 
They  banish  fear, 
They  say,  "  Be  strong," 
They  make  my  spirit  whole  ! 

I  look  and  live  and  move ; 

I  listen  to  the  voice 
Saying  to  me 
That  God  is  love, 
That  God  is  light : 

I  listen,  and  rejoice  ! 


ittU  Corifs  «ri)oice. 

THIS  work,  dear  Lord,  is  not  the  work 
I  asked,  or  sought,  or  meant  to  do  ; 
I  thought  to  turn  my  busy  hands 
Where  heart  and  taste  would  follow  too. 

But  such  sweet  task,  dear  heavenly  Lord, 
Thou  hast  removed  beyond  my  hand, 

And  set  me  one  so  different, 

That,  shrinking  and  amazed,  I  stand. 

Oh,  grant  me  grace,  lest  in  my  grief 
My  hands  hang  listless  at  my  side, 

Refusing  Thee  their  patient  toil, 

Because  their  choice  has  been  denied. 


THE  CHRISTIAN  TRAVELER.  125 


Grace,  that  ray  heaven-appointed  task 
The  cheerful,  tireless  care  may  meet 

Which  my  self-chosen  task  had  met, 
Hadst  Thou  but  set  that  duty  sweet. 

I  can  not  cease  to  long  for  it : 

But  I  can  hold  to  my  great  will — 

My  longings  subject,  while  I  bend 
My  strange  task  faithfully  to  fill. 

Not  feeling  that  I  have  no  choice, 

But  willing  that  my  Lord  should  choose  ; 

So  glad  of  any  work  for  Him, 
That  in  His  will,  my  will  I  lose. 


®l)e  (Eljristian  traveler. 

WITH  wondering  eyes,  the  traveler  oft 
Reviews  his  backward  way  ; 
The  weary  miles  his  aching  feet 
Have  traversed  through  the  day : 

And,  ere  his  eyes  are  closed  in  sleep, 

Looks  forward  at  the  road 
Which,  with  perchance  as  much  of  pain, 

To-morrow  must  be  trod. 

Yet,  strengthened  by  a  night  of  rest, 

As  soon  as  morning  breaks, 
With  hope  renewed,  and  faith  confirmed, 

His  pilgrim  staff  he  takes. 


126  TRUST. 

And  if  the  road  be  long  and  rou<zh, 
The  pathway  wild  and  dim, 

Remembers,  with  a  thankful  heart, 
Night  bringeth  rest  to  him. 

And  if,  alas  !  his  share  of  bread 

Is  bitter  in  Life's  Inn, 
And  every  upward,  onward  step, 

Costs  toil  and  tears  to  win  ; 

Yet  even  when  the  Wine  of  Life 
Seems  running  to  the  lees, 

New  fountains  open,  which  he  drinks, 
Perchance  on  bended  knees. 

And  if  his  burden  seems  too  great, 
He  knows  his  Father's  care 

Will  never  make  the  noontide  heat 
Too  great  for  him  to  bear. 

God  watches  every  step  he  takes, 
With  love  serene  and  deep  ; 

And  when  the  work  of  life  is  o'er 
"  Gives  His  Beloved  Sleep  !  " 


ft  t  n  0 1 . 

CONSIDER,  were  it  filial  in  a  child 
To   speak   in   this  wise :    "  Father,   though    I 
know 
How  strong  your  love  is,  having  proved  it  so 
Since  my  first  breath  was  drawn  ;  and  though  you've 
piled 


SONG  OF  THE  ROOTLETS.  127 


Your  stores  with  anxious  care,  that  has  beguiled 
You  oft  of  rest,  that  thus  you  might  bestow 
Blessings  upon  me  when  your  head  lies  low, 
et  in  my  heart  are  doubts  unreconciled. 
To-morrow,  when  I  hunger,  can  I  be 

Sure  that  for  bread  you  will  not  give  a  clod, 
Letting  me  starve  the  while  you  hold  in  fee 

(O'erlooking  lesser  needs)  the  acres  broad 

Won  for  me  through  your  ceaseless  toil  ?  "   Yet  we 

In  just  such  fashion  dare  to  doubt  of  God  ! 


Song  of  tljc  fiootkts. 

DOWN  in  the  ground  so  busy, 
Little  roots  at  work  ; 
All  of  them  in  a  hurry, 
Toiling  in  the  dark. 

List  to  their  low,  deep  murmur, 
While  they  work  they  sing, 
"  Gone  are  the  feasts  of  winter, 
Sunshine  now  of  spring. 


<< 


Down  in  the  ground  so  busy, 

Sucking  juices  up  ; 
By  and  by,  in  a  hurry, 

Flowers  will  we  push  up — 


"  Snowdrop,  crocus,  and  lily, 
Where  the  sunshine  lies  ; 
Tulips,  flashing  so  gayly, 
Brightening  to  the  eyes. 


128  SONG  OF  771  E  ROOTLETS. 


"  Hidden  away  in  darkness, 
Working  out  of  sight ; 
Yet  tasks  have  we  of  gladness 
Bringing  flowers  to  light. 

"  Down  in  the  ground  so  busy, 
Little  things  are  we  ; 
But  work  of  ours  is  mighty, 
Over  plant  and  tree. 

"  Lightly,  please,  tread  over  us, 
Do  not  spurn,  despise  ; 
Lovingly,  please,  think  of  us, 
Covered  from  your  eyes. 


a 


Soon,  we  lift  to  your  wonder 
Forms  of  beauty  rare  ; 

Soon,  from  our  hands  surrendei 
Fragrance  to  the  air." 


kt>j 


Ah,  little  roots,  ye  teach  me 
Lessons  of  the  light ; 

Never  to  fret,  be  weary, 
Working  out  of  sight. 

Patience  and  courage  ever, 
Singing  at  my  task  ; 

For  this,  O  Heavenly  Father, 
Humbly  now  I  ask. 


CHRIST  A  T  THE  DOOR.  1 29 


"  &\)c  Sunrise  Xcucr  -faileb  Us  j)et/1 

UPON  the  sadness  of  the  sea 
The  sunset  broods  regretfully  ; 
From  the  far,  lonely  spaces,  slow 
Withdraws  the  wistful  after-glow. 

So  out  of  life  the  splendor  dies  ; 
So  darken  all  the  happy  skies  ; 
So  gathers  twilight,  cold  and  stern  : 
But  overhead  the  planets  burn. 

And  up  the  east  another  day 
Shall  chase  the  bitter  dark  away ; 
What  though  our  eyes  with  tears  be  wet  ? 
The  sunrise  never  failed  us  yet. 

The  blush  of  dawn  may  yet  restore 
Our  light  and  hope  and  joy  once  more. 
Sad  soul,  take  comfort,  nor  forget 
That  sunrise  never  failed  us  yet ! 


(Cl)rist  at  tl)c  Daor. 

11 Behold,  I  stand  at  the  door  and  knock;  if  any  man  hear  my 
voice  and  open  the  door,  I  will  come  in  to  kim,  and  will  sup  with 
kirn,  and  he  with  fw*." — Rev.  iii.  2. 

^\  \  THO  knocks  so  loud  upon  my  heart? 

*  V      Jesus,  and  can  it  be 
That  Thou  art  come,  exalted  One, 
To  sup  with  sinful  me  ? 
9 


130  CHRIST  AT  THE  DOOR. 


"  How  dare  I  open  to  Thee,  Lord, 
A  hand  so  stained  with  sin — 
Impure,  unholy,  all  unfit 
For  Thee  to  enter  in  ?  " 

"  Open,  My  child  ;  My  bleeding  hands 
Have  knocked  upon  thy  door, 
And  left  their  own  Passover  mark ; 
Open,  and  sin  no  more." 

"  But,  Lord,  upon  my  black'ning  hearth 
The  flames  of  love  expire, 
No  fuel  doth  my  heart  supply 
To  feed  the  heavenly  fire." 

"  Open,  My  child  ;  My  arms  are  full 
Of  fuel  for  thy  fire  ; 
It  is  My  cross — the  flame  it  lights 
Shall  nevermore  expire." 

"  But,  Master,  Thou  art  come  to  sup, 
And,  lo  !  my  table's  bare  ; 
No  fruit  have  I,  my  garden  grows 
But  weed  and  brier  and  tare." 

"  Open,  My  child  ;  though  I  have  come 
To  sup  with  thee,  yet  I 
Of  all  the  food  thy  soul  can  need 
Have  brought  a  rich  supply. 

"  The  bread  of  life,  the  wine  of  joy, 
The  milk,  the  honey  sweet, 
And  every  fruit  the  Spirit  yields — 
Open,  My  child,  and  eat." 


Q  UESTIONING.  1 3 1 


"  Come  in,  come  in,  Thou  blessed  One ! 
Who  could  resist  such  grace  ? 
Or  ever  doubt  or  fear  again 
Who  once  has  seen  Thy  face  ! " 


(Questioning. 

IF  I  should  happen  to  die  to-night, 
Ere  the  rise  of  another  sun, 
With  so  many  things  unfinished, 

And  so  many  just  begun, 
I  wonder  if  I  could  say,  "  O 
Father,  Thy  will  be  done  ! " 

I  feel  that  my  eyes  are  blinded ; 

I  look,  but  I  can  not  see ; 
The  world  is  as  dark  and  dreary 

As  another  Gethsemane ; 
And  the  face  of  the  Elder  Brother 

Is  hidden  away  from  me. 

Sometimes  in  the  hush  of  midnight, 
When  the  hours  are  drifting  slow, 

I  waken  to  ask  the  question 

I'm  longing  so  much  to  know — 

If  I  could  be  glad  and  willing, 
And  happy — happy  to  go. 

I  watch — I  long  for  the  dawning 
To  creep  o'er  the  darkened  land  ; 

And  I  try  to  learn  the  lesson 
Of  waiting  with  folded  hand  ; 


1 3  2  UPS  AND  DO  IV NS. 


For  I  know,  though  the  threads  are  tangled, 
There  is  One  who  will  understand. 


lips  a\\b  Doums. 

LIFE  is  full  of  ups  and  downs — 
Valleys,  plains,  and  mountains, 
Not  forever  are  our  tents 

Pitched  by  pleasant  fountains. 
Sometimes  in  the  burning  sun, 

Sometimes  in  the  shadow ; 
Now  we  climb  the  rocky  steep, 
Now  we  thread  the  meadow. 

Life  is  full  of  ups  and  downs — 

Made  of  gains  and  losses . 
Flowers  that  grow  on  prickly  stems, 

Crowns  that  hang  on  crosses. 
Summer  breezes  fan  our  cheeks 

Wintry  blasts  affright  us  ; 
And  when  snow's  white  mantle  rends, 

Spring's  fair  sights  delight  us. 

Murmur  not  at  ups  and  downs, 

They  are  needful  changes ; 
He  can  never  err  in  aught 

Who  thy  lot  arranges. 
Seek  not  as  the  highest  good 

Thy  content  and  pleasure  : 
Wings  have  they  to  fly  thee  still — 

Seek  a  better  treasure. 


MOODS.  133 


Wouldst  thou  make  life's  ups  and  downs 

Easier  seem  and  brighter, 
Share  thy  fellows'  heavy  load — 

Thine  shall  be  the  lighter. 
Smooth  the  pillows  of  the  sick, 

Sweet  shall  be  thy  slumber; 
Will  to  bless  shall  bring  to  thee 

Blessings  without  number. 


'&' 


Who  would  dread  these  ups  and  downs 

Since  they  bring  us  nearer 
To  the  outer  wall  of  life, 

Where  the  light  grows  clearer  ? 
Nearer  to  the  heart  of  Him 

Who,  with  gentle  guiding, 
Leads  through  all  life's  weary  ways, 

Into  peace  abiding? 

Love  can  take  from  ups  and  downs 

All  the  pain  and  trouble ; 
For  the  joy  we  give  away 

Comes  back  more  than  double  ; 
Love  to  Christ  and  love  to  man, 

And  a  heart  forgiven, 
Make  the  ups  and  downs  of  life 

Just  a  path  to  heaven. 


ill  0  0  b  G  . 

LORD,  in  Thy  sky  of  blue 
No  stain  of  cloud  appears ; 
Gone  all  my  faithless  fears ; 
Only  Thy  love  seems  true  ! 


134  ANYWHERE  WITH  JESUS. 


Help  me  to  thank  Thee,  then,  I  pray, 
Walk  in  the  light,  and  cheerfully  obey ! 

Lord,  when  I  look  on  high, 
Clouds  only  meet  my  sight, 
Fears  deepen  with  the  night — 
Yet  still  it  is  Thy  sky  ! 
Help  me  to  trust  Thee,  then,  I  pray, 
Wait  in  the  dark,  and  tearfully  obey ! 


2tnm»l)crc  will)  Jesus. 

Matt.  viii.  19. 

ANYWHERE  with  Jesus,  says  the  Christian  heart ; 
Let  Him  take  me  where  He  will,  so  we  do  not 
part; 
Always  sitting  at  His  feet,  there's  no  cause  for  fears  ; 
Anywhere  with  Jesus  in  this  vale  of  tears. 

Anywhere  with  Jesus,  though  He  leadeth  me 
Where  the  path  is  rough  and  long,  where  the  dan- 
gers be ; 
Though  He  taketh  from  me  all  I  love  below, 
Anywhere  with  Jesus  will  I  gladly  go. 

Anywhere  with  Jesus,  in  the  summer  heat, 
Anywhere  with  Jesus,  through  the  winter  sleet, 
Anywhere  with  Jesus,  when  the  bright  sun  shines ; 
Anywhere  with  Jesus,  when  the  day  declines. 

Anywhere  with  Jesus,  though  He  please  to  bring 
Into  fires  the  fiercest,  into  suffering; 


"  THOUGH  I  BR  MOURNING?  135 


Though  He  bid  me  work  or  wait,  or  only  bear  for 

Him, 
Anywhere  with  Jesus,  still  shall  be  my  hymn. 

Anywhere  with  Jesus,  though  it  be  the  tomb, 
With  its  frighting  terror,  with  its  dreaded  gloom, 
Though  it  be  the  weariness  of  a  long-drawn  life, 
Fainting  with   the   constant   toil,  drooping  in  the 
strife. 

Anywhere  with  Jesus,  for  it  can  not  be 
Dreary,  dark,  or  desolate,  where  He  is  with  me  ; 
He  will  love  me  always,  every  need  supply, 
Anywhere  with  Jesus,  should  I  live  or  die. 


"£i)ongl)  3  be  iHcurmng." 

2  Cor.  xii.  11. 

OH,  to  be  nothing,  nothing ! 
Only  to  lie  at  His  feet, 
A  broken,  emptied  vessel, 

Thus  for  His  use  made  meet ; 
Emptied,  that  He  may  fill  me 

As  to  His  service  I  go ; 
Broken,  that  so,  unhindered, 
Through  me  His  life  may  flow. 

Oh,  to  be  nothing,  nothing! 

An  arrow  hid  in  His  hand, 
Or  a  messenger  at  His  gateway — 

Waiting  for  His  command  ; 


136  "  THO  UGII  I  BE  MO  URNING? 


Only  an  instrument  ready 

For  Him  to  use  at  His  will, 
And,  should  lie  not  require  me, 

Willing  to  wait  there  still. 

Oh,  to  be  nothing,  nothing  ! 

Though  painful  the  humbling  be, 
Though  it  lay  me  low  in  the  sight  of  those 

Who  are  now,  perhaps,  praising  me. 
I  would  rather  be  nothing,  nothing ! 

That  to  Him  be  their  voices  raised 
Who  alone  is  the  fountain  of  blessing, 

Who  alone  is  meet  to  be  praised. 

Yet  e'en  as  my  pleading  rises, 

A  voice  with  mine  seems  to  blend, 
And  whisper  in  loving  accents, 

I  call  thee  "  not  servant,  but  friend  ; " 
"  Fellow-worker  "  with  me,  I  call  thee, 

Sharing  my  sorrow  and  joy ; 
"  Fellow-heir"  to  the  glory  I  have  above, 
To  treasure  without  alloy. 

Oh,  love  so  free,  so  boundless, 

Which,  lifting  me,  lays  me  lower 
At  the  footstool  of  Jesus,  my  risen  Lord, 

To  worship  and  adore  ; 
Which  fills  me  with  deeper  longing 

To  have  nothing  dividing  my  heart ; 
My  all  given  up  to  Jesus, 

Not  keeping  back  a  part. 

Thine  may  I  be  !  Thine  only, 
Till  called  by  Thee  to  share 


THERE'S  OXLY  OXE.  137 


The  glorious  heavenly  mansions 
Thou  art  gone  before  to  prepare ; 

My  heart  and  soul  are  yearning 
To  see  Thee  face  to  face, 

With  unfettered  tongue  to  praise  Thee 
For  such  heights  and  depths  of  grace. 


Sucre's  (Dnln  (Dnc. 

THERE'S  only  One  on  whose  dear  arm 
We  safely  lay  our  thoughts  to  rest ; 
There's  only  One  who  knows  the  depth 
Of  sorrow  in  each  stricken  breast. 

There's  only  One  who  knows  the  truth 
Amidst  this  world's  deceit  and  lies  ; 

There's  only  One  who  views  each  case 
With ///j-/,  unselfish,  candid  eyes  ! 

There's  only  One  who  marks  the  wish, 

Xor  cruelly,  severely  blames  ; 
There's  only  One  too  full  of  love 

To  put  aside  the  weakest  claims. 

There's  only  One  whose  pity  falls 
Like  dew  upon  the  wounded  heart : 

There's  only  One  who  never  stirs, 
Though  enemy  and  friend  depart. 

There's  only  One,  when  none  are  by, 
To  wipe  away  the  falling  tear  ; 

There's  only  One  to  heal  the  wound, 
And  stay  the  weak  one's  timid  fear. 


138  THERE'S  0\  L  Y  ONE. 


There's  only  One  who's  never  harsh, 

But  tenderness  itself  to  all ; 
There's  only  One  who  knows  each  heart ; 

And  listens  to  its  faintest  call. 

There's  only  One  who  understands 

And  enters  into  all  we  feel  ; 
There's  only  One  who  views  each  spring 

And  each  perplexing  wheel  in  wheel. 

There's  only  One  who  can  support, 
And  who  sufficient  grace  can  give 

To  bear  up  under  every  grief, 

And  spotless  in  this  world  to  live. 

There's  only  One  who  will  abide 
When  loved  ones  in  the  grave  are  cold  ; 

There's  only  One  who'll^  with  me 
When  this  long,  painful  journey's  told. 

There's  only  One  I'm  sure  will  watch 
O'er  every  dear  one  whom  I  love  ; 

There's  only  One  can  sanctify 

And  brincr  them  safe  to  heaven  above. 


'& 


O  blessed  Jesus  !     Friend  of  friends  ! 

Come,  hide  us  'neath  Thy  sheltering  arm  , 
Come  down  amidst  this  wicked  world, 

And  keep  us  from  its  guilt  and  harm. 

Thou  art  the  One,  the  only  One, 

For  whom  no  love  too  warm  can  flow  ; 

Thou  art  the  One,  the  only  One, 
In  whom  there's  perfect  rest  below. 


ALL  MY  LIFE  LONG.  139 


GUI  ittn  Cife  Cong. 

ALL  my  life  long  have  my  steps  been  attended 
Surely  by  one  who  regarded  my  ways  ; 
Tenderly  watched  over,  sweetly  befriended, 

Blessings  have  followed  my  nights  and  my  days. 
Tears  have  been  quenched  in  the  sunshine  of  gladness 

Anthems  of  sorrow  been  turned  into  song, 

Angels  have  guarded  the  gateways  of  sadness, 

Summer  and  winter — yea,  all  my  life  long  ! 

All  in  the  dark  would  I  be,  and  uncertain 

Whither  to  go,  but  for  One  at  my  side 
Who  from  the  future  removes  the  dim  curtain, 

Seeing  the  glory  to  mortals  denied. 
No  other  friend  could  so  patiently  lead  me ; 

No  other  friend  prove  so  faithful  and  strong ; 
With  angels'  food  He  has  promised  to  feed  me, 

Who  has  befriended  me  all  my  life  long. 

He  will  not  weary — oh,  blessed  assurance  ! 

Infinite  love  will  the  finite  outlast ! 
But  for  my  Heavenly  Father's  endurance?, 

Into  the  depths  of  despair  I  were  cast. 
This  is  my  star  in  a  midnight  of  sorrow, 

This  is  my  refuge,  my  strength,  and  my  song ; 
Earth  is  to-day,  but  there's  heaven  for  to-morrow, 

And  Jesus  to  be  with  me  all  my  life  long ! 


140    TAKE  CHRIST  ON  BOARD   THY  SHIP. 


®akc  (Tljrist  on  Boarb  il)2  Cittle  6l)ip. 

TAKE  Christ  on  board  thy  little  ship  ! 
Trust  thou  in  Him  alone. 
Push  from  the  shore,  fear  not  the  waves 

That  break  with  sullen  moan. 
Although  thy  vessel  trembles  sore 
With  angry  tossing,  more  and  more, 
Still,  though  the  waters  raging  be 
And  do  increase, 
Yet  be  at  peace, 
For  Christ  is  with  thee  on  the  sea ! 

If  'midst  the  howling  of  the  storm 

Thou  canst  not  hold  the  helm, 
Have  courage,  for  He  will  not  let 

The  waves  thee  overwhelm. 
Yet  though  the  waves  surge  very  high, 
The  thunder  roll,  the  lightning  fly, 

Thy  ship  in  safety  on  will  sail, 
Up-heaving  crest 
Will  be  at  rest 

When  Christ  is  with  thee  :n  the  gale  ! 

Awake,  awake  !  be  watching  aye, 

Hope,  trust  in  Him  and  pray  ; 
And  Christ,  the  Lord,  in  His  good  time 

The  tempest  will  allay. 
The  storm  is  silent  at  His  voice, 
Therefore,  oh,  timid  child,  rejoice  ! 

The  wildest,  loudest  waves  will  cease 
At  His  command  ; 
And  in  His  hand 

He  holds  the  rainbow  of  our  peace  ! 


IN  DARKNESS.  141 


L 


3n  Darkness. 


rORD  God  !  I  know  no  fear 
Of  life's  great  trials  or  its  little  crosses ; 

I  do  not  fear  affliction  or  the  grave  ; 
I  murmur  not  though  shadows,  pains,  and  losses 

Mark  out  the  track  along  the  crested  wave, 

Of  one  whom  Thou  wouldst  save. 

Oh,  no  !     I  feel  no  dread, 
Although  the  tempter  spend  his  vain  endeavor 

To  fright  my  timid,  clinging  soul  from  Thee  ; 
I  know  his  power  to  harm  was  crushed  forever, 

By  that  great  sacrifice  which  sets  men  free, 

And  now  will  succor  me. 

Nor,  Saviour,  do  I  doubt  ; 
I  do  not  doubt  Thy  truth  in  its  completeness  ; 

I  may  not  doubt  the  saintly  faith  of  old, 
Thy  Spirit's  guiding  light  and  promised  meekness, 
For  entrance  to  Thy  shining  upper  fold, 
And  streets  all  paved  with  gold. 

No,  Lord,  I  do  not  doubt, 
Thy  promise  rests  upon  the  Rock  of  Ages, 

And  I  am  sure  that  I  am  in  Thy  way. 
Thy  wounded  hand  has  traced  the  holy  pages  ; 
I  do  not  doubt  its  comfort  and  its  stay 
Promised  to  me  alway. 

But  yet  the  way  is  dark  ! 
No  cloud  by  day,  nor  fire  by  night  is  beaming ; 


1 4  2  IN  DARKNESS. 


No  hand  clasps  mine  along  the  weary  race  ; 
Low  in  the  west  dark  clouds  and  lightnings  gleaming, 
Each  after  each,  in  heedless  tumult  chase  ; 
I  can  not  see  Thy  face. 

Jesus,  Thou  art  my  Sun  ! 
When  Thou  art  shrouded,  earth  is  tempest-riven  ; 

Confusion,  doubt,  and  terror  hem  me  round, 
Closed  eyes  and  ears  unto  Thy  words  be  given  ; 

Yet  still  the  tempter's  hollow  voice  will  sound 

In  echoes  from  the  ground. 

Yet,  Lord,  I  know  Thee  near  ! 
Faith  only  in  these  dim,  uncertain  hazes, 

Can  bind  my  soul  in  patience  to  the  Rock  ; 
Thine  arm  is  strong  and  sure  amid  the  mazes, 

Even  when  unfelt  amid  the  breaker's  shock, 

And  Satan's  ceaseless  mock. 

Lord  Christ  !  Thy  way  was  dark  ; 
When  Satan  met  Thee  on  the  lonely  mountain, 

When  Thou  didst  tread  in  storm  the  midnight  sea. 
Thou,   who   through    suffering   opened   wide    life's 
fountain, 
And  learned  a  perfect  Saviour  and   High   Priest 

to  be, 
Now,  Jesus,  succor  me. 

I  dare  not  ask  for  light. 
Peace  and  rejoicing  sought  with  tears  and  sighing, 

I  would  not  dare  to  wrest  from  out  Thine  hand  ; 
Before  the  Ocean's  Pilot  I  am  lying, 

And  He,  in  time,  will  steer  my  bark  to  land, 

And  anchor  on  its  strand. 


HE  K NO  WET II  THE  WAY.  143 


Jesus,  my  Saviour,  hear  me. 
I  pray,  that  ever  trusting  in  Thy  power, 

My  weary,  tossed,  and  fainting  soul  may  lie  ; 
That  ever  closer  as  the  shadows  lower 

Faith's  gracious  clasp  may  all  my  need  supply, 

And  cleansing  blood  apply. 

Jesus,  the  light  will  come  ! 
How  bright  beyond  all  earthly  dreams  that  morning, 

When  doubt  and  clouds  and  darkness  flee  away  ; 
It  matters  not  if  here  or  there  its  dawning, 

But  seeing  Thee  will  make  it  perfect  day. 

For  that  I  watch  and  pray. 


"§c  Knotnct!)  tlje  tocuj  tljat  3  (Sake." 

THROUGH  the  wearisome  hours  of  a  sorrowful 
night 
I  have  prayed  for  the  morning  to  break  ; 
Till  there  came — not  the  morn — but  this  broad  beam 
of  light : 
"  He  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take." 
"  He  knoweth  the  way ! "  and  the  way  is  His  own, 
And  I  take  it  with  Him — not  alone,  not  alone  ! 

When,  "  faint  with  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day," 
I  have  longed  for  the  night  to  o'ertake, 

I  am  rested  and  soothed  as  I  trustingly  say, 
"  He  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take." 

"  He  knoweth  !  "  though  toilsome,  the  way  is  1 1  is  own 

And  I  take  it  with  Him — not  alone,  not  alone  ! 


144    TO  WILL  AND   7  0  DO  HIS  PLEASURE. 


The  road  may  be  tangled,  and  thorny,  and  rough — 

So  rough  that  all  others  forsake 
And  leave  me  discouraged  ;  but,  ah,  'tis  enough  ! 

"  He  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take." 
"  He  knoweth  !  "  though  lonely,  the  way  is  His  own, 
And  I  take  it  with  Him — not  alone,  not  alone  ! 

And  so,  as  I  journey  through  darkness  and  light 
Till  the  valley's  dark  shades  overtake, 

And  the  city  of  rest  lifts  its  towers  on  my  sight, 
"He  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take." 

"  He  knoweth  the  way  !  "  and  the  way  is  His  own, 

And  I  take  it  with  Him — not  alone,  not  alone  ! 


So  tlUU  cmb  to  Da  of  £)is  ©oob  pleasure. 

A  LOVING  heart  to  read  His  will 
E'er  its  demanding, 
A  nimble  foot  to  speed  it  still 
E'er  its  commanding. 

A  strong  right  arm  to  help  the  weak 

His  power  to  aid  us, 
A  chastened  will  to  keep  us  meek 

Lest  He  upbraid  us. 

A  hand  to  portion  to  the  poor 

Unstinted  measure, 
A  patient  spirit  to  endure 

Of  His  good  pleasure. 


"POUR  OX,  I  IV ILL  ENDURE?  145 


An  ear  to  catch  the  feeble  cry 
Of  hearts  that  languish, 

A  soul  of  pity  that  shall  fly 

To  assuage  their  anguish. 


\^  ******  "■"&' 


A  lip  wreathed  o'er  with  hope  and  love, 

Calm  trust  revealing, 
An  eye  raised  to  our  home  above, 

Heaven's  lustre  stealing. 


'»• 


A  supple  knee  before  His  throne, 

Oft  to  come  bending, 
A  voice  of  praise  His  love  to  own, 

World  without  ending. 

These  gifts  with  longing  hearts  we  crave, 

Faith's  blest  fruition, 
Lord,  who  canst  sanctify  and  save, 

Hear  our  petition ! 


"flonr  on,  3  tmll  Cnbiirc." 

O  PRING  hath  its  flowers,  its  hour  of  bloom, 
^     Its  balmy  air  of  odorous  sigh  ; 
Awhile  they  shed  their  sweet  perfume — 

A  little  while — and  fade,  and  die  ; 
And  when,  as  e'er,  such  hour  hath  fled, 

And  wintry  storms  the  sky  obscure, 
When  raged  the  tempest,  still  I've  said: 

"  Pour  on,  I  will  endure." 
10 


J 46  MARTHA  OR  MARYi 


Youth  hath  its  pleasure — brightly  beam 

On  fancy's  eye  life's  flowery  ways ; 
And  love  and  hope,  with  fairy  gleam, 

Enchantment  throw  o'er  distant  days  ; 
vet  have  I  seen  those  prospects  fade, 

Though  youth  had  deemed  the  promise  sure, 
And  'midst  the  wreck  of  feeling  said  : 

"  Pour  on,  I  will  endure." 

Man  may  be  happy — I  have  known 

When  pleasure's  cup  I  freely  quaffed  ; 
When  joy's  bright  sunshine  round  me  shone-~ 

Untasted  sorrow's  bitter  draught ; 
But  deadly  persecution  sped 

Her  poisonous  shafts,  with  aim  too  sure ; 
My  heart  had  withered  ;  yet  I  said  : 

"  Pour  on,  I  will  endure." 

Life  is  a  shadow ;  soon  the  sun 

That  casts  it  to  the  earth  shall  set, 
And  man,  a  few  brief  glasses  run, 

His  joys  and  sorrows  shall  forget ; 
Yet  there  is  hope,  when  life  has  fled, 

Of  blissful  realms  and  pleasures  pure, 
And  in  that  hope,  through  life  I've  said  : 

"  Pour  on,  I  will  endure." 


iUartljix  or  ittarn? 

I  CAN  not  choose ;  I  should  have  liked  so  much 
To  sit  at  Jesus'  feet — to  feel  the  touch 
Of  His  kind,  gentle  hand  upon  my  head, 
While  drinking  in  the  gracious  words  He  said. 


MY  CROSS.  147 


And  yet  to  serve  Him  ! — O  divine  employ ! — 
To  ministei  and  give  the  Master  joy, 
To  bathe  in  coolest  springs  His  weary  feet, 
And  wait  upon  Him  while  He  sat  at  meat ! 

Worship  or  service — which  ?     Ah,  that  is  best 
To  which  He  calls  me,  be  it  toil  or  rest — 
To  labor  for  Him  in  life's  busy  stir, 
Or  seek  His  feet  a  silent  worshiper. 

So  let  Him  choose  for  us  :  we  are  not  strong 
To  make  the  choice;  perhaps  we  should  go  wrong, 
Mistaking  zeal  for  service,  sinful  sloth 
For  loving  worship — and  so  fail  of  both. 


ill  £   Cross. 

MY  cross  is  heavy,  Lord  !  I  try  to  bow, 
And  meekly  bear  the  load  that  seems  so  great ; 
I  tremble,  faint,  and  weakly  stumble  now 
Beneath  its  fearful  weight. 

The  flesh,  unwilling,  fain  would  shun  the  pain, 
And  strives  to  fling  aside  the  chafing  cross  ; 
Failing  to  count  the  burden  certain  gain, 
And  all  things  else  but  loss. 

My  cross  offends  my  pleasure-loving  eyes. 

When  on  it  turns  my  frighted  gaze  attent ; 
It  drags  me  down  when  I  essay  to  rise, 
Laden  with  dark  po~tent. 


148  MY  CXOSS. 


With  smiles  and  flowers  I  wreathe  my  hideous  cross, 

From  others'  sight  its  terrors  hiding  well ; 
And  why  beneath  its  woes  I  writhe  and  toss, 
The  world  can  never  tell. 

Oh,  let  me  rest,  with  cross  upon  the  ground  ! 

Again  to  lift  it  up  were  far  too  much. 
Its  rugged  splinters  may  my  soft  hands  wound ; 
I  grieve,  I  loathe  to  touch. 

The  Master  speaks  with  low  and  tender  voice  : 

"  If  thou  wouldst  truly  My  disciple  be, 
Thou  must  take  up  thy  cross  from  loving  choice, 
And  bear  it  after  Me. 

"  Despised,  rejected,  weary,  worn,  and  sad, 

I  gladly  bore  My  cruel  cross  for  thee ; 
Hast  thou  no  gratitude  ?     Art  thou  not  glad 
To  lift  one  load  for  Me  ? 

"  In  joy  and  hope  thy  burden  place  across 

Thy  willing  shoulders.     Never  lay  it  down, 
Till  at  Heaven's  portals  thou  shalt  change  thy  cross 
For  thy  long-waiting  crown." 

Saviour,  if  I  Thy  crown  of  love  may  gain, 

No  more  I  reckon  woful  labor  loss ; 
But  take,  rejoicing  in  the  constant  pain, 
My  hidden,  hated  cross. 

Dear  Lord,  forgive  my  sinful,  foolish  fears, 

And  give  me  daily  strengthening  grace,  1  pray, 
And  one  thing  more  I  ask  with  humble  tears, 
Take  7iot  my  cross  away  ! 


MY  SHIP.  149 


Itt  ij   5  1)  i  p . 

DOWN  to  the  wharves,  as  the  sun  goes  down, 
And  the  daylight's  tumult  and  dust  and  din 
Are  dying  away  in  the  busy  town, 
I  go  to  see  if  my  ship  comes  in. 

I  gaze  far  over  the  quiet  sea, 

Rosy  with  sunset  like  mellow  wine, 
Where  ships,  like  lilies,  lie  tranquilly, 

Many  and  far — but  I  see  not  mine. 

I  question  the  sailors  every  night 

Who  over  the  bulwarks  idly  lean, 
Noting  the  sails  as  they  came  in  sight : 

"  Have  you  seen  my  beautiful  ship  come  in  ?  " 

"  Whence  does  she  come  ?  "  they  ask  of  me, 
"  Who  was  her  master,  and  what  her  name  ?  " 

And  they  smile  upon  me  pityingly 

When  my  answer  is  ever  and  ever  the  same. 

Oh,  mine  was  a  vessel  of  strength  and  truth, 
Her  sails  were  as  white  as  a  young  lamb's  fleece, 

She  sailed  long  since  from  the  port  of  Youth, 
Her  master  was  Love,  her  name  was  Peace. 

And  like  all  beloved  and  beauteous  things, 
She  faded  in  distance  and  doubt  away, 

With  only  a  tremble  of  snowy  wings, 
She  floated,  swanlike,  adown  the  bay. 


I $o  MY  CONFIDENCE. 


Carrying  with  her  a  precious  L  eight, 
All  I  had  gathered  by  years  of  pain  ; 

A  tempting  prize  to  the  pirate  Fate, 
And  still  I  watch  for  her  back  a^fain. 


Watch  from  the  earliest  morning  light, 

Till  the  pale  stars  grieve  o'er  the  dying  day, 

To  catch  the  gleam  of  her  canvas  white 
Among  the  islands  which  gem  the  bay. 

But  she  comes  not  yet — she  will  never  come 
To  gladden  my  eyes  and  my  spirit  more ; 

And  my  heart  grows  hopeless  and  faint  and  dumb, 
As  I  wait  and  wait  on  the  lonesome  shore, 

Knowing  that  tempest  and  time  and  storm 

Have  wrecked  and  shattered  my  beauteous  bark ; 

Rank  seaweeds  cover  her  wasting  form, 
And  her  sails  are  tattered  and  stained  and  dark. 

But  the  tide  comes  up,  and  the  tide  goes  down, 
And  the  daylight  follows  the  night's  eclipse, 

And  still  with  the  sailors,  tanned  and  brown, 
I  wait  on  the  wharves  and  watch  the  ships. 

And  still  with  a  patience  that  is  not  hope, 
For  vain  and  empty  it  long  hath  been  : 

I  sit  on  the  rough  shore's  rocky  slope, 
And  watch  to  see  if  my  ship  comes  in. 


i 


ittn  (Confibcncc. 

HOLD  Thy  truth,  O  Lord,  within  my  heart; 
Thy  law  I  love  ; 


NOW  I  LA  Y  ME  DOWN  TO  SLEEP.      15 1 


I  hold  Thy  cross,  and  try  to  do  my  part, 

My  faith  to  prove  ; 
I  hold  Thy  promise,  Lord,  and  daily  pray : 

"  My  faith  increase, 
That  I  may  closer  cleave  to  Thee,  the  Way, 

And  have  Thy  peace." 
Yet  little  joy  my  holding  brings  to  me, 

Because  I  know 
Tiiat,  though  my  soul  still  trusting  clings  to  Thee, 

I  may  let  go. 

But  I  am  held,  0  Lord ;  Thou  hast  my  hand, 

And  Thou  art  strong. 
Throughout  my  journey  in  this  desert  land, 

However  long, 
Thou  givest  me  support.     I  shall  not  fall. 

Though  foes  assail 
And  press  me  hard,  over  myself  and  all 

I  shall  prevail. 
Great  joy  Thy  presence  and  Thy  pledge  affoi  i, 

Because  I  know 
That  Thou  wilt  not — since  Thou  hast  given  Thy  vord, 

Of  me  let  go. 


2Coiu  3  £aji  me  Dorou  to  Sleep. 

NOW  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep, 
As  the  shadows  softly  creep, 
As  the  bird  with  folded  wino:, 
On  some  tiny  bough  doth  swing; 
As  the  flowers,  all  wet  with  dew, 
Bow  themselves  in  slumber  too, 


152  THE  PEACE  OE  GOD. 


In  the  stillness  awful,  deep, 
Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep. 

Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep, 
Still,  my  Lord,  in  safety  keep ; 
Keep  my  soul  till  dawning  day 
Bids  the  darkness  flee  away ; 
Till  the  flowers  with  glistening  cup, 
Toward  the  lofty  sun  look  up ; 
Till  his  beams  upon  me  peep, 
May  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep. 

Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep, 
Friends  and  kindred  'round  me  weep, 
But  I  know  not  want  or  fear, 
For  no  darkness,  Lord,  is  here ; 
All  my  way  is  lit  by  Thee, 
Through  the  shade  Thou  leadest  me, 
Knowing  that  the  Lord  wrill  keep, 
May  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep. 


®l)c  peace  of  (5oi>. 

O  REFUGE  in  sorrow  ! 
O  Saviour  from  sin  ! 
No  storm  shakes  our  dwelling 

If  Thou  art  within  ! 
Our  bark  fears  no  shipwreck 

If  Thou  art  on  board, — 

Our  King  and  our  Helper, — 

Our  Brother,  our  Lord  ! 


THE  PEACE  OF  GOD.  153 


Far  off  did  we  deem  Thee  ; 

We  sought  Thee  for  years, — 
Without,  there  were  fightings, 

Within,  there  were  fears. 
But  now  dawns  the  morning, 

The  darkness  hath  fled — 
Unfelt,  He  hath  held  us  ; 

Unseen,  He  hath  led. 

Oh,  souls  that  still  struggle, 

That  long  to  be  blest, 
The  Door  standeth  open — 

Come,  enter  and  rest ! 
We  preach  no  new  gospel 

But  that  you  have  heard  : 
This  only  we  ask  you — 

Take  God  at  His  word ! 

One  sentence  we  bring  you 

Which  oft  ye  have  read  ; — 
Believe,  when  He  said  it 

He  meant  what  He  said — 
"  Be  careful  for  nothing  ; 

In  everything  tell 
Your  trouble  to  Him  who 

Hath  loved  you  so  well." 

"  Be  careful  for  nothing  I " 

In  great  things,  in  small, 
That  love  is  sufficient 

Which  worketh  through  all. 
Dear  Master,  forgive  us 

Poor  sinners,  who  dare 
To  limit  the  mercy 

Which  answers  our  prayer  ! 


TS4  "TRUST  III  Mr 


O  Infinite  Fullness  ! 

What  canst  Thou  not  be 
To  those  who,  believing, 

Come  boldly  to  Thee  ! 
No  storm  shakes  the  dwelling 

When  Thou  art  within, 
O  Strength  for  our  weakness  ! 

O  Saviour  from  sin  ! 


"  (Ernst  Ijim. 


1 1 


IS  there  some  darling,  cherished  plan 
On  which  thy  hopes  depend — 
Some  joy  for  which  thy  heart  will  yearn 

Till  mortal  life  shall  end  ? 
Is  it  thy  one  supreme  desire, 

The  end  thou  wouldst  attain — 
The  steadfast  purpose  of  thy  life, 

The  treasure  thou  wouldst  gain  ? 
Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord, 

And  in  His  promise  rest ; 
Trust  Him,  and  He  will  bring  to  pass 

That  which  He  knows  is  best. 

Thy  plans,  thy  hopes,  thy  dearest  joys 

May  fail  thee,  one  by  one  ; 
Perplexing  cares  may  mark  the  "  way  ' 

Thou  choosest  for  thine  own  ; 
The  world  has  often  mocked  thy  trust, 

It  smiles  but  to  deceive  ; 
The  truest  hearts  may  faithless  prove— 

What,  then,  canst  thou  believe  ? 


SUBMISSION.  155 


Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  for  Him  ; 
His  word  He  will  not  break — 
"  All  these  things  will  I  do  for  thee, 
Nor  ever  thee  forsake." 

A  tangled  way,  a  gloomy  path 

Beset  with  many  fears  ; 
A  hidden  grief  that  dims  thine  eyes 

With  unavailing  tears  ; 
Bring  all  to  Him — thy  life  itself, 

Thy  whole  sad  troubled  life  ; 
Trust  all  to  Him,  and  He  will  give 

Rest  in  its  toil  and  strife  ; 
Thy  crooked  way  He  will  make  straight, 

Thy  darkness  shall  be  light ; 
For  as  the  blind,  He  leads  His  own 

In  paths  both  safe  and  right. 


Submission. 

I  HAVE  no  strength  to  govern  circumstance, 
Or  time  or  fate  control  ; 
I  would  be  subject  to  my  Lord  and  King, 
The  Master  of  my  soul. 

In  other  years  I  envied  minds  of  strength, 

Whose  resolute,  firm  will 
Forced  adverse  powers  and  contrary  events 

Their  bidding  to  fulfill. 

But  now  I  feel  it  good  to  be  controlled, 
Led  by  a  will  divine. 


1 5  6  T  WILIGII T  M  USIXGS. 


My  Master's  hand  is  on  the  helm  which  guides 
This  wave-beat  bark  of  mine. 

And  though  the  wind  be  fierce  and  contrary, 
Though  currents  adverse  roll, 

A  stronger  Power  than  mine  will  make  for  me 
The  haven  of  my  soul. 


3Turiligl)t  l\\  using  s. 

AS  I  sit  and  watch  the  twilight 
Gather  dimly  o'er  the  earth, 
Driving  out  the  cares  of  daylight, 

All  its  sorrows,  all  its  mirth, 
I  would  fain  my  heart  examine  ; 

Test  my  actions  one  by  one  ; 
And  endeavor  to  determine 

Which  I  should  have  left  undone. 

Heavenly  Father,  hear  Thy  child, 

As  I  bow  before  Thy  throne  ; 
Hear  me,  though  by  sin  defiled, 

Thou  canst  help  me — Thou  alone. 
Give  me  more  of  love  to  Thee  ; 

Draw  me  closer  to  Thy  side  ; 
Let  me  meeker,  holier  be  ; 

Let  me  nearer  Thee  abide. 

Father,  Thou  dost  love  me,  well  I  know ; 

Would  I  loved  Thee  as  I  should  ; 
Thou  dost  help  me  here  below. 

Would  I  served  Thee  as  I  could. 


TWILIGHT  MUSINGS.  157 


Thou  dost  grant  me  earthly  pleasures, 
May  my  joys  be  found  in  Thee  ; 

Thou  dost  offer  heavenly  treasures, 
May  in  heaven  my  treasures  be. 

As  from  me  this  day  is  passing, 

Dearest  Saviour,  linger  near, 
With  Thy  wealth  of  love  unceasing, 

Elder  Brother,  stoop  and  hear. 
Satan's  weapons  well  Thou  knowest, 

Thou  hast  felt  his  cruel  darts, 
Thou  dost  feel,  e'en  with  the  lowest, 

All  the  struggles  of  their  hearts. 

Thou  hast  seen  this  day's  temptations ; 

All  its  sorrows,  all  its  cares, 
All  its  trials  and  vexations, 

All  the  tempter's  luring  snares. 
Thou  hast  seen  me  yielding,  falling, 

When  temptations  pressed  me  sore  , 
Now  on  Thee  I'm  humbly  calling, 

Never  let  me  wander  more. 

Thee  I've  often  grieved  this  day, 

Thou  for  me  didst  live  and  die  ; 
Precious  Saviour,  grant  I  may 

Never  more  Thy  love  deny. 
Fill  my  heart  with  purer  love, 

Let  me  live  a  holier  life, 
Make  me  meet  for  heaven  above, 

At  the  close  of  all  the  strife. 


158     "CHRISTIAN,    WHERE  ART  THOU?" 


"  Christian,  £)!)crc  3Lrl  erijou?" 

BUILT  on  the  surest  foundation, 
"  In  Christ,"  where's  no  condemnation  ; 
Safe  in  His  perfect  salvation, 
By  grace  I  stand. 

Living  my  life  of  probation, 
One  of  Christ's  own  "  holy  nation," 
Kept  in  the  hour  of  temptation, 
By  grace  I  stand. 

Knowing  from  whence  I  was  taken, 
Never  can  I  be  forsaken, 
My  heart  shall  always  awaken. 
By  grace  I  stand. 

Fighting  with  sins  most  besetting  ; 
Hating  the  world,  and  forgetting  ; 
My  love  on  Christ  I  am  setting. 
By  grace  I  stand. 

Why,  then,  should  I  be  distressed, 
My  soul  with  sorrow  oppressed  ? 
I  trust  in  His  name,  and  am  blessed. 
By  grace  I  stand. 

Resting  on  Christ,  He  will  never 
His  hands  clasped  around  me  dissever; 
Once  His,  it  must  be  forever 
In  Him  to  stand. 


WAITING.  159 


Y 


to  a  i  t  i  n  g . 

11  For  they  shall  not  be  ashamed  that  wait  /or  me." 

ES,  I  am  waiting,  Lord,  and  it  is  sweet 


To  rest  the  while  close  at  Thy  sacred  feet, 
Here  with  Thy  wounded  hand  upon  my  head, 
My  weary  soul  is  blest  and  comforted. 

'Tis  joy  to  tarry  at  Thy  bleeding  side, 
Whence  flows  the  healing,  purifying  tide, 
My  only  hope,  my  perfect  righteousness  ; 
Yes,  I  will  wait  in  this  dear  hiding-place. 

For  prone  am  I,  my  Lord,  from  Thee  to  stray, 
And  lose  Thy  presence  in  earth's  busy  way ; 
Yea,  sometimes  out  on  errands  Thine  alone, 
Self  rises,  and  I  count  them  all  my  own. 

So  eager  am  I  to  devise  and  do, 
And  in  my  frantic  zeal  the  way  pursue, 
That  I  forget  I  should  but  follow  Thee  ; 
And  hurry,  till  Thy  face  I  can  not  see. 

And  Thou  in  love  dost  check  my  foolish  haste, 
Take  me  apart  into  the  desert  waste, 
And  bid  me  pause  till  Thou  shalt  point  the  way, 
And  go  before  me  lest  again  I  stray. 

So  here  beneath  the  shadow  of  Thy  wing 
I  stay  my  steps,  and  as  I  wait  I  sing  ; 
While  peace  divine  through  all  my  soul  distills, 
And  love  its  blessed,  perfect  work  fulfills. 


160  AX CI10 RED  FAST. 


In  this  dear  refuge,  quieted  and  still, 
I  fold  my  hands  and  bide  Thy  holy  will ; 
"  Speak,  for  Thy  servant  heareth,"  I  will  say, 
Ready  when  Thou  shalt  send  me  to  obey. 

Shall  disappointment  or  dismay  betide 

The  soul  that  meekly  waits  her  Lord  beside  ? 

Ah,  no  !  my  expectation  is  from  Him, 

And  shall  not  fail  though  heaven  itself  grow  dim. 

God  is  the  Lord,  who  gives  the  soul's  desire, 
I  bind  the  sacrifice  and  wait  the  fire  ; 
They  shall  not  be  ashamed  who  watch  and  wake, 
The  morn  of  joy  and  glory  soon  shall  break. 


Qtndjorcb  -fast. 

H^OSSING  on  the  billow, 
J-       Rocking  in  the  blast, 
Sick'ning  on  the  pillow, 
Verging  toward  the  last. 

While  the  tempest  rages, 
To  the  Rock  of  Ages 
I  am  anchored  fast. 

Skies  all  clad  in  sable, 

Storm-clouds  scudding  past, 
Clinging  to  the  cable, 
I  am  anchored  fast. 

While  the  tempest  rages, 
To  the  Rock  of  Ages 
I  am  anchored  fast. 


PEACE  AS  A  RIVER.  l6l 


Gone  each  earthly  treasure, 

Cut  away  each  mast, 
Vanished  earthly  pleasure, 
Still  I'm  anchored  fast. 

While  the  tempest  rages, 
To  the  Rock  of  Ages 
I  am  anchored  fast. 

Sorrows  multiplying, 
Prospects  overcast, 
Weeping,  groaning,  sighing, 
Still  I'm  anchored  fast. 

While  the  tempest  rages, 
To  the  Rock  of  Ages 
I  am  anchored  fast. 

Swiftly  to  my  grave-bed 

I  am  making  haste  ! 
Trembling  'neath  the  death-tread, 
Still  I'm  anchored  fast. 

While  the  tempest  rages, 
To  the  Rock  of  Ages 
I  am  anchored  fast. 


Peace  as  a  ttiucr. 

liO  that  thou  hadst  hearkened  to  My  commandments,  then  had  thy 

peace  been  as  a  river." 

I  LOOK  on  a  river  whose  beautiful  stream 
Unceasingly  rolls  to  the  sea ; 
Deep  blue  in  the  sunshine  its  calm  waters  flow, 
And  its  course  is  triumphant  and  free. 


1 62  PEACE  ASA   RIVER. 


I  see  the  long  swell  of  its  on-going  waves, 

I  hear  their  soft  wash  on  the  shore ; 
And  it  seems,  as  I  listen,  as  though  unto  me 

Sweet  teachings  of  heaven  they  bore. 

The  trees  that  lean,  listening,  over  its  edge, 
Dip  their  mantles  of  green  in  its  side ; 

The  swallow  skims  swiftly  and  silently  by 
To  cool  his  warm  wing  in  its  tide. 

The  grim  cliffs  may  threaten,  the  tempests  may  come, 

It  stays  not  to  parley  with  foes ; 
But  onward,  still  onward,  it  floweth  in  peace, 

And  blesses  the  land  as  it  flows. 

Oh,  river,  the  storms  can  not  hinder  thy  course, 

Though  haply  they  ruffle  thy  breast ; 
Away  from  their  fury  thou  keepest,  below, 

Thy  volume  of  waters  at  rest ! 

Thy  bright  billows  catch  the  last  gleam  of  day, 
The  first  trembling  starlight  at  even  ; 

For  though  shadows  of  earth  on  thy  border  may  play 
Thy  bosom  still  images  heaven. 

O  Thou  from  whom  peace,  as  its  fount,  freely  flows, 
Saviour,  give  me  this  rest  of  the  heart, 

Full,  mighty,  unshaken  by  trial  or  pain, 
A  peace  that  will  never  depart  I 


SABBATH  REST.  163 


GabbatI)  Rest. 

SABBATH  of  the  saints  of  old, 
Day  of  1  lysteries  manifold, 
By  the  great  Creator  blest, 
Type  of  His  eternal  rest, 
I  with  thoughts  of  Thee  would  seek 
To  sanctify  the  closing  week. 

Resting  from  His  work,  the  Lord 
Spake  to-day  the  hallowed  Word, 
And  His  wondrous  labors  done, 
Now  the  Everlasting  Son 
Gave  to  heaven  and  earth  a  sign 
Of  a  wonder  more  divine. 

Resting  from  His  work,  to-day 
In  the  tomb  the  Saviour  lay ; 
Still  He  slept,  from  head  to  feet 
Shrouded  in  the  winding  sheet, 
Lying  in  the  rock  alone, 
Hidden  by  the  sealed  stone. 

Late  at  even  there  was  seen, 
Watching  long,  the  Magdalene  ; 
Early,  ere  the  break  of  da 
Sorrowful  she  took  her  way 
To  the  holy  garden  glade, 
Where  her  buried  Lord  was  laid. 

So  with  Thee  till  life  shall  end 
I  would  solemn  vigil  spend ; 


1 64  CONSECRA  T10N  II  VATAT. 


Let  me  hew  Thee,  Lord,  a  shrine 
In  this  rocky  heart  of  mine, 
Where  in  pure,  embalmed  cell 
None  but  Thou  may'st  ever  dwell. 

Myrrh  and  spices  will  I  bring, 

Pure  affection's  offering ; 

Close  the  door  from  sight  and  sound 

Of  the  busy  world  around, 

And  in  patient  watch  remain 

Till  my  Lord  appear  again. 


QTonsccratian  ijnmn. 

"Yea^  let  Hi?n  take  all" — 2  Sam.  xix.  30. 

TAKE  my  life,  and  let  it  be 
Consecrated,  Lord,  to  Thee. 

Take  my  moments  and  my  days ; 
Let  them  flow  in  ceaseless  praise. 

Take  my  hands,  and  let  them  move 
At  the  impulse  of  Thy  love. 

Take  my  feet,  and  let  them  be 
Swift  and  "beautiful"  for  Thee. 

Take  my  voice,  and  let  me  sing 
Always,  only,  for  my  King. 

Take  my  lips,  and  let  them  be 
Filled  with  messages  from  Thee. 


RETROSPECTION.  165 


Take  my  silver  and  my  gold  ; 
Not  a  mite  would  I  withhold. 

Take  my  intellect,  and  use 

Every  power  as  Thou  shalt  choose. 

Take  my  will,  and  make  it  Thine ; 
It  shall  be  no  longer  mine. 

Take  my  heart ;  it  is  Thine  own  ; 
It  shall  be  Thy  royal  throne. 

Take  my  love ;  my  Lord,  I  pour 
At  Thy  feet  its  treasure-store. 

Take  myself,  and  I  will  be 
Ever,  only,  all  for  Thee. 


Uctrospcction. 

BEFORE  my  feet,  untrodden  lies 
The  new-born  year ; 
And  in  my  heart  dread  thoughts  arise, 
And  doubt,  and  fear. 

I  shrink  and  tremble  as  I  stand, 

For,  looking  back, 
I  see  great  chasms  on  either  hand, 

Along  the  track. 


1 66  RE  TROSPFXTIOX. 


I  see  the  jagged  rocks  whereon 

I  stumbled  so : 
I  mark  the  spot,  where  further  on 


I  loathed  to  go. 


And  here,  the  darkness  fell,  and  lay 

So  thick  around, 
I,  crouching,  had  to  grope  my  way 


Along  the  ground. 


And  there,  one  night,  a  stranger  stayed 

To  lodge  with  me  ; 
I  asked  him  not  whither  he  strayed, 

Nor  whence  came  he  ; 

But  ere  the  dawning  of  the  morn, 

Unseen  he  fled : 
Dismayed  I  stood,  weeping,  forlorn, 

Beside  my  dead. 

"  Fear  not !"  a  voice  methinks  I  hear 

These  words  repeat : 
"  Fear  not  the  way  !  for  I  am  near 

To  guide  thy  feet. 

"  Where  I  have  led  thee  doubt  not  this,- 
'Twas  best  to  go  : 
Not  all  his  Father's  purposes, 
The  child  may  know. 

u  Tho'  thou  hast  stumbled  in  the  past, 
Thou  didst  not  fall ; 
Meet  succor  came,  both  free  and  fast, 
When  thou  didst  call. 


EVENING  HYMN.  1 67 


<< 


And  he  whose  stay  thou  dost  lament 

To  me  is  known ; 
I  bade  him  bear  the  jewel  lent, 

Back  to  my  throne." 

Dear  Lord,  it  is  Thy  voice  divine 

That  bids  me  go  : 
I  lay  my  trembling  hand  in  Thine, 

And  face  each  foe. 

With  Thee,  into  the  opening  year 
I  bravely  tread ; 

My  wandering  feet  shall  know  no  fear- 
Divinely  led. 


(Evening  tyvmn. 

THE  last  ray  of  the  setting  sun 
Melts  gently  from  our  sight, 
The  evening  shadows  slowly  fade 
Into  the  gloom  of  night. 

O  Lord,  preserve  us  while  we  sleep, 

Let  peaceful  rest  be  ours ; 
Forgive  the  wayward  steps  we've  trod, 

Through  all  the  sunny  hours. 

The  day  was  bright  and  all  seemed  fair, 
Our  hearts  with  pride  we  raised, 

On  earthly  things  intent  we  lived, 
Nor  once  toward  heaven  gazed. 


1 68  DRIVEN  TO  FAITH. 


But  all  our  bright  dreams  quickly  fade 

As  daylight  melts  away, 
And  now,  when  shades  of  evening  fall, 

Low,  on  our  knees,  we  pray  : 

Dear  Saviour,  keep  us  by  Thy  grace, 

And  let  us  not,  we  pray, 
Pass  through  the  day-time  of  our  life, 

As  we  have  lived  this  day. 

But  when  temptation's  fiercest  heat 

Beats  down  on  every  soul, 
Do  thou  between  us  and  its  blaze 

Thy  clouds  of  mercy  roll. 

From  all  the  perils  of  the  night, 
O  Lord,  Thy  servants  keep, 

And  let  Thy  holy  angels  watch 
Around  us  while  we  sleep. 

Oh,  grant  us  then,  when  life  is  o'er, 
And  death's  dark  night  we  see, 

That  we  may  close  our  eyes  in  peace, 
And  rest,  O  Lord,  in  Thee ! 


JDriflcn  to  faitl). 

LIFE  presses  me  with  questioning, 
Dear  Lord,  few  answers  can  I  bring ; 
I  only  know  that  Thou  art  King. 
Need  I  know  more  ? 


ATOT  THE  SAME  OFFICE.  169 


The  tempter  and  the  world  combine 
To  puzzle  me  with  things  divine  ; 
I  only  know  that  I  am  Thine. 
Need  I  know  more  ? 

My  head  and  heart  together  try 
To  settle  matters  far  too  high  ; 
Bewildered,  to  Thy  cross  I  fly. 
Can  I  do  more  ? 

I  know  myself  all  sin  and  shame ; 
I  find  all  grace  in  Thy  dear  name  ; 
I'll  trust  where  I  can  not  explain. 
Thou  knowest  all ! 


"QUI   IHcmbcrs  i)avc  not  tl)e  Same  ©Sice.1 

Romans  xii.  4. 

I  COULD  not  do  the  work  the  reapers  did, 
Or  bind  the  golden  sheaves  that  thickly  fell ; 
But  I  could  follow  by  the  Master's  side, 

And  watch  the  marred  face  I  loved  so  well. 
Right  in  my  path  lay  many  a  ripened  ear, 

Which  I  would  stoop  and  gather  joyfully  : 
I  did  know  the  Master  placed  them  there — 
"  Handfuls  of  purpose  "  that  He  left  for  me. 

I  could  not  cast  the  heavy  fisher  net, 

I  had  not  strength  or  wisdom  for  the  task  ; 

So  on  the  sunlit  sands,  with  spray  drops  wet, 
I  sat,  and  earnest  prayers  rose  thick  and  fast. 


170  HOT  THE  SAME  OFFICE. 


I  pleaded  for  the  Master's  blessing  where 
My  brethren  toiled  upon  the  wide  world  sea, 

Or  ever  that  I  knew,  His  smile  so  fair 
Came,  shedding  all  its  radiancy  on  me. 

I  could  not  join  the  glorious  soldier  band, 

I  never  heard  the  ringing  battle-cry ; 
The  work  allotted  by  the  Master's  hand 

Kept  me  at  home  while  others  went  to  die. 
And  yet,  when  victory  crowned  the  struggle  long, 

And  spoils  were  homeward  brought  both  rich  and 
rare, 
He  let  me  help  to  chant  the  triumph  song, 

And  bade  me  in  the  gold  and  jewels  share. 

O  Master  dear  !  the  tiniest  work  for  Thee 

Finds  recompense  beyond  our  highest  thought ; 
And  feeble  hands  that  worked  but  tremblingly, 

The  richest  colors  in  the  fabric  wrought. 
We  are  content  to  take  what  Thou  shalt  give, 

To  work  or  suffer  as  Thy  choice  shall  be  ; 
Forsaking  what  Thy  wisdom  bids  us  leave, 

Glad  in  the  thought  that  we  are  pleasing  Thee  ! 


INDEX   TO   FIRST   LINES. 

PAGB 

Ah  !  blessed,  restful  night F.  B.  s.  99 

A  loving  heart  to  do  His  will kelen  marr.  144 

All  my  life  long  have  my  steps  been  attended  . . . .Josephine  pol- 
lard. 139 
And  they  told  her  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth  passed  by.  ..dinah  mu- 

loch  craik.  75 

Among  so  many  can  He  care MRS.  A.  D.  t.  whitney.  74 

Anywhere  with  Jesus 134 

As  singing  after  silence  is,  or  sun  is  after  rain l.  b.  moore.  71 

As  I  sit  and  watch  the  twilight w.  d.  156 

At  dawn  the  call  was  heard 83 

Awhile  on  earth  we  roam 57 

Barabbas  in  his  prison  cell hezekiah  butterworth.  91 

Bear  the  burden  of  the  day 24 

Before  my  feet  untrodden  lies MRS.  M.  a.  maitland.  165 

Before  Thy  cross,  dear  Lord,  I  fall Elizabeth  oakes  smith.  112 

Be  not  afraid,  I  seem  to  hear 122 

Be  quiet,  soul 73 

Built  on  the  surest  foundation 158 

Consider,  were  it  filial  in  a  child M.  J.  preston.  126 

Christ,  who  art  above  the  sky F.  T.  palgrave.  53 

Content  that  God's  decree mary  a.  w.  cook.  100 

Could  Christians  watch  ten  thousand  years.. 62 

Dark  was  the  night Georgia  l.  heath.  121 

Despise  not  thou  small  things 86 

Divinely  kept,  divinely  fed Margaret  e.  sangster  69 

Down  in  the  ground  so  busy f.  b.  w.  127 

Down  to  the  wharves,  as  the  sun  goes  down 149 

Ere  our  dear  Saviour  spoke  the  parting  word julia  c.  r.  dorr.  20 

Ever  with  me,  Lord  !     Thou  art rev.  edwin  p.  hatfield,  d.d.  25 


Forth  to  thy  work  from  morn  till  night mrs.  chari.es. 


70 


Guide  me  to-day,  O  laving  Care laura  3anford.     ioi 

(171) 


172  INDEX  TO  FIRST  LINES. 


Have  I  1  earned    in  whatsoever    A.  B.  J.  5: 

His  ways  are  net  our  ways e.  norman  gunnison.  93 

How  can  we  say  without  the  condemnation.. . .  mary  e.  Bradley.  81 

How  long  !  how  long  !  the  furnace  fires  rage  high h.  w.  c.  85 

How  much  ?     Alas,  if  I  could  tell Caroline  a.  mason.  C-z 

I  am  so  tired,  my  heart  and  I - 25 

I  asked  at  Thy  dear  hands  a  broader  field mary  p.  Roberts.  83 

I  bow  my  head,  I  bend  my  knee E.  B.  Champlin.  40 

I  can  not  choose  ;  I  should  have  liked  so  much 146 

I  came  and  saw,  and  hoped  to  conquer x.  x.  x.  84 

I  come,  I  rest  beneath  the  shadow  of  His  wing. .  horatius  bonar.  123 

I  could  not  do  the  work  the  reapers  did  eva  travers.  169 

If  I  should  happen  to  die  to-night M.  r.  higham.  131 

I  have  a  treasure  which  I  prize 27 

I  have  no  strength  to  govern  circumstance mary  e.  Atkinson.  155 

I  hear  a  gladsome  wind  that  sings 21 

I  hold  Thy  truth,  O  Lord,  within  my  heart..   ..  sarah  doudney.  150 

I  hungered  for  the  living  bread e.  l.  e.  109 

I  look  on  a  river  whose  beautiful  stream L.  v.  n.  r.  161 

In  the  shadow  of  the  Rock. ray  palmer,  d.d.  57 

Is  there  some  darling,  cherished  plan b.  m.  s.  154 

I  take  this  pain,  Lord  Jesus 18 

I,  too,  have  suffered,  yet  I  know myra  copeland.  hi 

It  seems  such  a  woful  waste \v.  m.  l.  jay.  14 

I  will  work  with  all  my  might kate  Cameron.  32 

I  would  be  ready,  Lord Margaret  j.  preston.  95 

I  would  not  vainly  choose THOMAS  t>.  JAMBS.  44 

Jesus,  I  need  Thy  strength 116 

Jesus,  sweetly  looking  unto  Thee J.  B.  knight.  117 

Learn  to  wait — life's  hardest  lesson 43 

Life  is  full  of  ups  and  downs M.  e.  r.  132 

Life  presses  me  with  questioning 168 

Little  store  of  wealth  have  I JULIA  C.  R.  dorr..  6 

Long  time  I  prayed,  M  My  God  " 51 

Lord  God  !  I  know  no  fear. mary  e.  winslow.  141 

Lord,  I  am  Thine,  all  glory  to  Thy  name 66 

Lord,  in  Thy  sky  of  blue 133 

Lord  is  it  I  ?  I  ask  in  tears  and  sadness C.  e.  r.  p.  39 

Lord,  take  away  my  doubts,  the  deepest  source  .  ..Caroline  may.  106 

Loving  words  that  were  a  pleasure 96 

Make  a  little  fence  of  trust ....  19 


INDEX  TO  FIRST  LINES.  I  73 


Mcthinks  of  all  the  sins  that  pierce  the  heart  of  Christ  anew  ....  22 

My  cross  is  heavy,  Lord  !  I  try  to  bow susan  o.  curtis.  147 

My  dearest  Love  !  my  soul's  supreme  delight e.  w.  m.  65 

M y  voice  shalt  Thou  hear  this  morning 61 

Nay,  nay,  do  not  tell  me  that  God  will  not  hear  me  .  .ellen  If.  h. 

GATES.  17 

Not  in  anything  we  do the  dean  of  canterbury.  29 

Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep a.  D.  walker.  151 

Now  the  solemn  shadows  darken 38 

Oh,  cast  thy  burden  on  the  Lord  and  find 13 

O  Jesus,  for  a  touch  divine Helen  e.  brown.  92 

Oft  when  of  God  we  ask .thomas  toke  lynch.  16 

Oh,  what  a  pure  white  flame  lit  up  the  face M.  f.  bennett.  31 

Oh,  what  shall  I  give  to  the  Saviour eva  If.  tappan.  26 

O  Light  of  light,  shine  in    106 

O  Lord,  in  whom  are  all  my  springs 49 

O  Lord,  we  know  no  love  like  Thine emily  b.  ellis.  68 

One  sweet  and  solemn  joy  I  have MRS.  R.  N.  turner.  40 

O  Peace  of  God  ! — as  early  beams S.  S.  cutting.  25 

O  Refuge  in  sorrow  ! A.  R.  152 

O  Thou,  my  heart's  best  treasure 41 

Oh,  to  be  nothing,  nothing  ! georgiana  m.  taylor.  135 

Out  of  a  darkened  room  I  drew  my  friend. .  .charlotte  p.  bates.  60 

Out  of  the  distance  and  darkness  so  deep 47 

Peace  upon  peace,  like  wave  on  wave H.  w.  bonar,  d.d.  120 

Pray  on.  nor  faint  nor  cease A.  A.  A.  59 

Reaper,  I  asked  among  the  golden  sheaves.  .MRS.  g.  nelson  smith  67 

Sabbath  of  the  saints  of  old 163 

Show  me  Thy  face 34 

Silently  it  fell 87 

Sing  a  hymn  to  Jesus  when  the  heart  is  faint 30 

Since  Christ  has  gone  to  hea\  en,  His  home 42 

Speak  low,  speak  little,  who  may  sing  ...rev.  Charles  kingsley.  45 

Spring  hath  its  flowers,  its  hours  of  bloom 145 

Strength  for  to-day  is  all  that  we  need 10 

Take  Christ  on  board  thy  little  ship FROM  THE  GERMAN  OF 

STURM.  140 

Take  my  life,  and  let  it  be trances  ridley  havergal.  164 

That  which  weeping  ones  were  saying. . .  .g.  Washington  moore.  104 


i;4  INDEX  TO  FIRST  LINES. 


The  April  days  have  come,  the  south  wind  blows ia 

The  farmer  chides  the  tardy  spring 77 

The  flock  stood  waiting  by  the  rapid  river E.  N.  GUNNISON.  33 

The  last  ray  of  the  setting  sun F.  w.  r.  167 

The  midnight  comes  and  my  lamp  unfilled.. .  .marie  b.  williams.  56 

The  morning  breaks,  the  shadows  flee.  Harriet  m'ewen  kimball  ii 

The  purple  clusters  of  the  fertile  vine 93 

There  is  a  spot  to  me  more  dear 11S 

There  are  some  among  the  blessed 97 

There's  many  a  burden  bound  to  many  a  back 59 

There's  only  One  on  whose  dear  arm 137 

The  wind  that  blows  can  never  kill 107 

Thine  the  bearing  and  forbearing. Elizabeth  stuart  rHELrs.  76 

This  work,  dear  Lord,  is  not  the  work 124 

Three  little  words,  but  full  of  tenderest  meaning  . . hester  m  . 

poole.  50 

Through  the  wearisome  hours  of  a  sorrowful  night MRS.  s.  If. 

WALSH.  143 

'Tis  sweet  to  think,  that  he  who  tries no 

To  tired  brain  and  aching  head Margaret  11.  37 

Tossing  on  the  billow w.  p.  breed,  d.d.  160 

To  whom,  O  blessed  Saviour,  can  we  go  ? 79 

Up,  and  be  doing,  the  time  is  brief e.  v.  s.  54 

Upon  the  sadness  of  the  sea celia  thaxter.  129 

We  have  found  Him — sign  of  mercy 113 

What  is  this  that  He  saith  ? Washington  gladden.  36 

What  matter  how  the  winds  may  blow 5 

What  though  the  hindmost  place  is  thine 8 

While  through  the  land  the  faithful  and  believing Frances  e. 

pope.  103 

When  evening  cools  the  fevered  brow chas.  f.  lee.  63 

When  the  Lord  makes  up  His  jewels eleanor  kirk.  93 

Wherefore  drink  with  me,  friends,  it  is  no  draught.. lucy  larcom  90 

While  in  a  dark  valley d.  c.  colesworthy.  60 

Who  loses  self  in  brotherhood 102 

Who  knocks  so  loud  upon  my  heart 129 

Who  watched  the  artist  paint  a  porcelain  cup  . .   laura  sanford.  9 

With  such  a  grovelling  heart  how  shall  I  dare  ? margaket  j. 

i-rcston.  46 

With  wondering  eyes  the  traveler  oft 125 

Yes,  I  am  waiting,  Lord,  and  it  is  sweet.  ..MRS.  helen  e.  brown.  159 


